明王 (みょうおう) Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
noun
Wisdom King; Vidyaraja
Buddhism
Buddhist term for a wrathful deity who protects the Dharma and removes obstacles. Often depicted with fierce expressions and multiple arms.
は
忿
怒
の
相
を
し
て
いる
。
Statues of Wisdom Kings have a wrathful appearance.
king, rule, magnate
妙exquisite, strange, queer Similar words
- 如来
如来 (Tathāgata) is a fully enlightened Buddha, while 明王 is a wrathful protector deity in esoteric Buddhism.
- 菩薩
菩薩 (Bodhisattva) is a compassionate being on the path to enlightenment, whereas 明王 is a fierce guardian figure.
Etymology
From Middle Chinese 明王 (mˠiæŋ ɦʉɐŋ), translating Sanskrit vidyārāja (wisdom king).
