Ryutai Moji & Japanese Wisdom

The ancient Dragon Body Script, the Futomani chart and the everyday Japanese traditions that shape the 369 Zen Circle.

THE DRAGON BODY SCRIPT

What Is Ryutai Moji?

龍体文字 Ryutai Moji, the Dragon Body Script, is a set of 48 characters that tradition counts among the Kamiyo Moji, the scripts from the age of the gods. Its characters cover every sound of the Japanese language.

According to tradition, the script was kept for centuries at Ise Grand Shrine and was shared with the public in the 1970s, when it was recorded by the calligrapher Ensetsu Ando. In recent decades author and acupuncturist Michiyo Mori has helped bring Ryutai Moji to a wide audience through her books and workshops.

Practitioners write and contemplate the characters as a calm, focused practice, much like meditation with a brush.

FUTOMANI-ZU

The Futomani Chart

The Futomani chart (ふとまに図) arranges all 48 characters in four circles, often called a seat map of the gods. It is used as a focal point for meditation and as a symbol of harmony in the home.

                                一
The Center
Two spirals, left and right, and the sound u: together they spell a-u-wa, the beginning of all things in the tradition.

                                二
The Second Ring
The characters of tohokamiemitame, a short Shinto purification phrase. Traced in order, they draw an eight-pointed star.

                                三
The Third Ring
The first sounds of the Awa no Uta, a song that uses all 48 sounds of the script.

                                四
The Outer Ring
The remaining characters, traditionally used as a charm for health, harmony and good fortune.

AUTHENTIC PRACTICE

Our Founder's Credentials

Kazumi Smith Tharpe holds all three professional certifications of the Ryutai Moji Promotion Council in Japan (龍体文字普及推進協議会).

Certified Ryutai Moji Advisor® (龍体文字アドバイザー): teaches history, meanings and calligraphy
Certified Ryutai Moji Concierge (コンシェルジュ): authorized to share official Ryutai Moji goods
Certified Ryutai Moji Conductor® (コンダクター): mentors practitioners and preserves the lineage

She shares Ryutai Moji through 369 Zen Circle workshops and handwritten name art.

WORDS WE LIVE BY

A Small Glossary of 369

弥勒mirokuMiroku

Maitreya, a figure of compassion and a peaceful age to come. Read with the numbers 3, 6, 9 as mi-ro-ku.

禅zenZen

Meditation and attention to the present moment, at the heart of our circle.

木魚mokugyoMokugyo

The wooden fish drum that keeps a steady rhythm during practice.

抹茶matchaMatcha

Whisked green tea, prepared and shared as a quiet ritual.

断捨離danshariDan Sha Ri

Refuse, let go, separate: the mindful approach behind 369 Life Service.

和太鼓wadaikoWadaiko

Japanese taiko drumming, powerful rhythm felt in the whole body.

御守omamoriOmamori

A small protective charm, carried as a reminder of intention and care.

薬絵kusurieKusuri-e

Healing art: color and gentle geometry used for quiet, calming focus.

Questions About Ryutai Moji

Is Ryutai Moji a religion?

No. It is a traditional Japanese script with spiritual and cultural roots. We share it as a calm, focused practice, open to everyone.

Can I learn to write Ryutai Moji?

Yes. Kazumi teaches the characters and their history at 369 Zen Circle workshops. Ask us about the next one.

What is personalized name art?

Kazumi writes a person's name in Ryutai Moji by hand, as a keepsake. Proceeds support the mission of Miroku Star Village.

Is it a medical treatment?

No. Ryutai Moji and meditation are cultural and personal wellness practices, not a substitute for medical or psychological care.

Still Have Questions?

Every message is read with care. Write to us and we will reply within one to two business days.