petition, request, vow, wish, hope
願 centers on a heartfelt desire directed outward: wishing for something, hoping, making a request, or a formal petition. The vow sense is a strong, committed form of that same wish.
願 combines 原 (origin, source) with 頁 (head), suggesting a wish or desire that comes from deep within one's head or heart. The 原 component likely also contributes the sound.
A wish originates (原) in the head (頁): picture a thought bubbling up from deep within your mind and forming a clear desire.
For ガン, imagine a determined person named Gan who always gets what he wishes for: Gan -> ガン, and his head is full of strong hopes.
request; favour (to ask); wish
prayer; wish; vow
desire; wish; hope
to desire; to wish; to hope
desire; wish; aspiration
aspiration; volunteering; desire; application
prayer (for something); supplication
one's heart's desire; one's dearest wish
pleading; entreaty; supplication; petition
application; filing an application
wish; desire; request; prayer
one's dearest wish
entreaty; appeal; petition
petition
(written) application; written request; petition
salvation by faith in Amitabha
application; petition
Amida Buddha's original vow; long-cherished desire
making a prayer (to a god or Buddha)
cancellation; withdrawal