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Bonshun

Yoshida Shintō priest (d. 1623) known for deifying Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Definition

Bonshun (d. 1623) was a Yoshida Shintō priest who played a crucial role in the posthumous deification of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. His efforts marked the beginning of a significant cult of Ieyasu, which would evolve into a national icon within Shintō practice. Bonshun's activities helped establish the connection between state power and religious legitimacy, as he promoted Ieyasu's divine status in relation to Shintō beliefs and practices.

Etymology

Bonshun's name reflects a humble approach to scholarship, where 'Bon' suggests 'ordinary' and 'shun' means 'perfection', denoting an emphasis on deepening understanding of Shintō.