SHINSHOJI

Go Dai Myo-o

PANCA KRODHA VIDYARAJA

The Five Wrathful Wisdom Deities in Japanese Vajrayana

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Japanese Buddhism makes a clear distinction between the Buddhism of
the general populace "kengyo" which is of a more devotional nature,
and the Buddhism of initiates and practictioners,
which is an inner or secret tradition called "mikkyo", secret mantra.
A further division is made between monastics "sogo/kaidan" and yogins "shidoso",
or lay practitioners "ubasoku" (skt: Upasaka)

In the popular folklore tradition, Japanese Buddhism is repleate
with stories of sorcery done by "mikkyo" adepts.
Just as the word "mantra" in Sanskrit, it's Japanese equivalent, "Ju/Jyutsu"
means both mantra and spell.
The type of person who uses spells/mantras "jyutsu"
is called a "Jyujutsusha" which translates roughly to "spell caster".
Just as in India and Tibet, the mantrin sorcerors, or spellcasters
did many feats through their "siddhi" powers.
One reason for the prevalence of sorcery in Japan, was the
Buddhist's claim of "chingo kokka" -pacifying and defending the nation.

Jyujutsusha were known for creating magical creatures,
or familiars (Tib: tulpas) called "shiki, shikigami" and "gohou"
by using special talismans to do their bidding.
The power and shape of these entities varied wildly,
depending on the power of their master. Even so, "shiki/gohou"
themselves were/are neither good nor evil.

The "myo-o" are a group of Buddhist deities which relate to the
old Indian Buddhist tradition of a "patron" and "protector" deities.
When a person enters the Shingon sect, there will be a ritual that determines
his/her patron Deity which will become
the person's guardian, and protector, and therefore is suitable for worship.
This Deity (Tib:Yidam Lha) is called "shugojin".

Oftentimes in both Tibetan and Japanese traditions, this is determined
by a flower cast into a mandala.
These following myo-o deities maybe considered as wrathful manifestations
of the "patron deities", but more importantly,
they represent "the five wisdoms" of a sentient being- one of the most
essential of Buddhist teachings.

The five-fold system itself seems to have originated with esoteric Saivism.
This is seen in the 5 faces of Siva,the 5 elements,the five cakras or pranas
(energies or winds), the five senses, emotions, and poisons. Tantric
Buddhism inherited this 5-fold system from Saivism, and from it, comes the
"Panca-Krodha-Vidya-Raja"- the five wrathful wisdom deities, seen here
as the "Myo-o". Since ancient times (circa 800ad), the Japanese have been
depicting these Indian deities in scupture and artwork. Today, little to nothing
remains of them in India.

No matter how esoteric and diverse, all the deities and teachings
of "mikkyo" had but one summit point: attainment of enlightenment
during a person's lifetime "sokushin jobutsu".

There is a temple in the town of Narita, near Tokyo,which is dedicated
solely to the Myo-o called Shinshoji. I hope to have some pictures
of it for the page at a future time.
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(ARYA) ACHALA (NATHA)
VIDYARAJA

Jap: fudo myo-o
Achala is always located centrally to the other 4 vidyarajas.
He represents the wrathful reflex of Vairocana and Vajrasattva.
He is recognised by the sword "ken" (Skt: Khadga) that he holds in his right hand
and the chain "kusari" (Skt: Pasha)that he carries in the left for tying up "musubi" faults.
and binding in strong samaya oaths. Achala has a red lotus on the top of his head.
Sometimes on Achala's face you will see one eye looking up and one looking down
and his mouth is sometimes portrayed one side in smile and one side in a frown.

Ja.p: gozanze myo-o
TrilokyaVijaya means "three world's victor". He is located to the East and is the wrathful manifestation of akshobhya.
His hands show the "kanj", or mudra of binding and subjugation.
Other hands hold the "tabiumi" (bow) and "tabiya" (arrow) to strike his target.
He also holds a "kusari" (chain)
His great powers of subjugation are portrayed as he stamps down on Daijizaiten and Uma..

Jap: gundari myo-o
Amritakundalin is located in the South and he is the wrathful reflex of Ratnasambhava
Amrita Kundalin is recognizable by the snakes which entwine various limbs on his body.
He also holds a dharma wheel as a "shuriken" or throwing star weapon, and wears a stylized lion's pelt at his waist.
Perhaps the most striking feature is his crossed arms, fingers displaying the vajra trident mudras.

Jap: dai itoku myo-o
Yamantaka in the West and he is the wrathful reflex of Amitabha.
He is easily recognizable riding a white Bull.
His front hands make a powerful "kanj", or mudra
While other hands hold "kagi" (stick) and "jo" (staff)

Jap: kongoyasha myo-o
Vajrayaksha is related to both Jambhala and Agni, but he is
the wrathful reflexof the Buddha Amoghasiddhi
He is located in the North

RAGARAJA

Jap: ai zen
Aizen is also considered to be a type of Myo-o and is known as the "King of Sexual Passion".
His role is to turn the human desires of love and lust into spiritual awakening, or satori.
The Aizen Myo-o wears a crown depicting a shishi, or Chinese lion, and has
three faces, six arms, many weapons, and a red body. The Aizen Myo-o is the
Japanese deity of love. He is male equivalent in some respects to Kurukulla in other Buddhist traditions.

Jap: Kujaku
This deity is female, called "rajni" the queen. In the Chinese form she is 6 armed,
In the japanese form, she is 4 armed. She is also called a "Myo-o".
But there may be several deities being synthesized here.
Kujaku Myo-o is a rain god, prayed to in times of drought, poisoning,
and disaster. The Kujyaku myo-o rides a peacock, which, in India is famous
because it eats poisonous snakes. She has one face and four arms.
Om Mayurakrate Svaha!