Article selection by C. Pfoundes | Note by H.P.B.
Yoshitsune . . . fled to the Northern provinces . . . [then] rossed over to the Island of Yezo . . . He resided there for some time, devoting himself to the welfare of the yet uncivilized natives, who were mostly descendants of the wild tribes driven from the larger southern island in former ages. Marvellous stories of his escape and adventures are related ; the loyalty of a small band of followers, congenial spirits, being esteemed and highly commended by natives in all time. Some had been also priests and initiates into the mysteries of the Ten-man-gu— Gnomes1 and spirits of wisdom . . .
1. Called “Gnomes” probably on the same principle that certain ascetics in the trans-Himalaya regions who live in deep underground caves, are called “Spirits of the Earth.” Lha, “Spirit” or Divine Being, is the name generally given to great adepts in Tibet, as the name of Mahatma, “Great Soul,” is given to the same Initiates in India.