Myō-ō
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Myō-ō (明王, kings of wisdom) are protector deities in Japanese Shingon Buddhism. They are known in India as vidyārāja. They are represented with ferocious expressions and use all sorts of weapons for the purpose of subjugating malicious spirits and threatening those who do not follow their teachings.
The myō-ō are originally Hindu and were introduced in Japan in the 9th century. They represent the wisdom of the Buddha and guard the four cardinal points and the center.
The most important myō-ō are the Godai Myō-ō (the Five Great Kings of Wisdom):
- Daiitoku Myō-ō
- Fudō Myō-ō
- Gōzanze Myō-ō
- Gundari Myō-ō
- Kongō-Yasha Myō-ō
Other gods include:
