Qi Xuansu asked, “If the flames of Izanagi and Himiko are of the same lineage, then why did Izanagi’s become a demonic fire steeped in heavy yin energy, while Himiko’s fire came to embody light?”0

Suzuka Gozen replied, “Because the external forces were different. Mount Fuyo is an active volcano. Ancient legend tells of a vast yin-yang fissure beneath it that connects to the netherworld, from which endless yin energy gushes forth. When deities are corroded by this yin energy, their golden bodies decay, their divine kingdoms rot, and their sacred fire turns into cursed flame. Himiko has converted to Buddhism, deeming herself the incarnation of the Vairocana, and thus received the Buddhist Sect’s essence of light.”1

Himiko’s divine offices were derived respectively from the Vairocana and the Amitabha, symbolizing the sun and light.0

Suzuka Gozen continued, “For a long time, Shinbutsu-shugo, the fusion of deities and Buddhas, was common in Fenglin. Its deities became mere vassals of Buddhism, serving as its protectors. It was only when the Confucian School of Principle arose and the Tenmon Sect aligned with its principles of revering the emperor that the Tenmon Sect began to break free of Buddhism’s control and stand...0