Editing Ninjutsu (section)

===Kuji-kiri===
''[[Kuji-kiri]]'' is an esoteric practice which, when performed with an array of hand "seals" (''[[kuji-in]]''), was meant to allow the ninja to enact superhuman feats.

The ''kuji'' ("nine characters") is a concept originating from [[Taoism]], where it was a string of nine words used in charms and incantations.<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 2 3">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|pp=2–3}}</ref> In China, this tradition mixed with [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] beliefs, assigning each of the nine words to a Buddhist deity. The ''kuji'' may have arrived in Japan via Buddhism,<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 8 11">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|pp=8–11}}</ref> where it flourished within [[Shugendō]].<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 13">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|p=13}}</ref> Here too, each word in the ''kuji'' was associated with Buddhist deities, animals from Taoist mythology, and later, Shinto [[kami]].<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 24 27">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|pp=24–27}}</ref> The ''[[Mudra|mudrā]]'', a series of hand symbols representing different Buddhas, was applied to the ''kuji'' by Buddhists, possibly through the esoteric ''[[Mikkyō]]'' teachings.<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 24 25">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|pp=24–25}}</ref> The ''[[yamabushi]]'' ascetics of Shugendō adopted this practice, using the hand gestures in spiritual, healing, and [[exorcism]] rituals.<ref name="Teeuwen Rambelli 2002 327">{{Harvnb|Teeuwen|Rambelli|2002|p=327}}</ref> Later, the use of ''kuji'' passed onto certain ''[[Budō#Bujutsu|bujutsu]]'' (martial arts) and ''ninjutsu'' schools, where it was said to have many purposes.<ref name="Waterhouse 1996 31 33">{{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|pp=31–33}}</ref> The application of ''kuji'' to produce a desired effect was called "cutting" (''kiri'') the ''kuji''. Intended effects range from physical and mental concentration, to more incredible claims about rendering an opponent immobile, or even the casting of magical spells.<ref name="Adams 1970 29">{{Harvnb|Adams|1970|p=29}}; {{Harvnb|Waterhouse|1996|p=31}}</ref> These legends were captured in popular culture, which interpreted the ''kuji-kiri'' as a precursor to magical acts.