Priest

Shinto

 * Priests: Shinto Priests are often shrine keepers and may possess the same, or greater spiritual powers as Miko do. Many Miko seem to be under the tutelage of Shinto Priests. It is difficult to ascertain the powers of Shinto Priests in Inuyasha, as many have not been seen.


 * Miko: Miko, or priestesses, are shrine maidens who guide people with their spiritual powers and aid Shinto Priests in their duties. Many Miko are seen in Inuyasha such as Kikyo, Kagome, Kaede, Midoriko, and Hitomiko.

Buddhist

 * Wandering Monks: Wondering monks go around on pilgrimage, travelling the country to exterminate demons and aid people through spiritual guidance. Miroku is an example of a wandering monk.


 * Temple Monks: Temple Monks are Buddhist preists who are keepers of a temple. Many are quite powerful, using sacred spells to ward of demons. Master Mushin is a temple monk who raised Miroku.


 * Warrior Monks: The Warrior Monks of Japan were Buddhist Monks who did not follow the teachings of "causing no harm to sentient beings". They often sold their services to the highest bidder or fought on the side of their own choosing to further their cause and maintain their hold on properties and valuables that had been "donated" to them. They appear specifically as the white-hooded fighters carrying Naginata (halbreds), defending Izu-Toyas castle in the third Inuyasha movie "Swords of an Honarble Ruler".

History: Those warrior-monks were a major problem for every warlord ruler of Japan since approximately 700 AD. A great number of them were exterminated when they got involved in the war between the Taira and Minamoto clans in 1180’s. In 1580 Oda Nobunaga nearly wiped them out, but Toyotomi Hideyoshi was still troubled, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was forced to deal with the remains of them in 1615.

Mountain Priests

 * Yamabushi: Also known as Sages, they use their spiritual powers in tandem with nature. In Inuyasha, Tokajin and his Master are shown to be sages (though the former gained his powers through a demon tree).

History:

While Pre-Edo Japan lumped the Mountain Priests into the same category as Shinto most agree that they are a different breed. The Mountain priests will often accompany Shinto priests in specific ceremonies pertaining to the spirits of their area.