When visiting a temple, have you ever seen the name “Aizen Myoo” and wondered what kind of Buddhist deity he is? You might question why the character for “love” is in his name when he has such an angry and terrifying face. Many people also hear about his blessings for romantic fulfillment and want to know more details.
In conclusion, Aizen Myoo is an incredibly compassionate deity who does not deny human lust and worldly passions but instead transforms them into enlightenment and life energy. Because of this, he has gathered deep faith since ancient times as a powerful deity who brings romantic fulfillment, good relationships, and family harmony.
This article thoroughly explains the deep meaning and historical origins of Aizen Myoo. Furthermore, we will introduce the real reason behind his terrifying appearance, his specific blessings, and the proper way to worship him.
By reading to the end, you will understand the truth about Aizen Myoo and feel a deeper connection and blessing the next time you visit a temple. Please use this guide as a reference.
- What is Aizen Myoo? Basic Meaning and Characteristics
- Origins and Historical Roots of Aizen Myoo
- The Powerful Blessings of Aizen Myoo
- Proper Faith and Worship Methods for Aizen Myoo
- Famous Temples Nationwide Enshrining Aizen Myoo
- Conclusion | Receive the Deep Love and Blessings of Aizen Myoo
- A Message from the Guide
What is Aizen Myoo? Basic Meaning and Characteristics
An Esoteric Buddhist Deity Who Affirms Lust and Earthly Desires
Usually, Buddhism teaches that lust and earthly desires should be abandoned, but Aizen Myoo in Esoteric Buddhism does not deny them. Rather, he is a deity who transforms the strong lust and passions inherent in humans into an aspiration for improvement and life energy, guiding people to a state of enlightenment. He is a highly unique and compassionate existence who directs the energy of desires in the right direction instead of forcing people to suppress them.
The Real Reason Behind His Terrifying Appearance (Wrathful Form)
Aizen Myoo has a terrifying face with glaring eyes and exposed fangs, carrying blazing flames on his back. This angry expression, known as a wrathful form, is not because he hates people. It is a manifestation of his strong determination and compassion to save people who are lost and suffering amidst their worldly passions. It can be said to be the flip side of deep love, trying to pull people back to the right path even by force.
Aizen Myoo’s Held Objects (Implements) and Their Meanings
Aizen Myoo is depicted with one face, three eyes, and six arms, holding objects in each hand that symbolize the teachings of the Buddhist law.
Bow and Arrow (Heavenly Bow and Arrow)
The bow and arrow held by Aizen Myoo are tools for shooting the seeds of love and enlightenment into people’s hearts. They also carry the powerful meaning of shattering evil passions and obstacles, helping wishes to be fulfilled directly. Much like Cupid’s arrow, they are deeply worshipped as a symbol of tying good relationships.
Five-Pronged Bell and Vajra
The five-pronged bell and five-pronged vajra are important ritual implements in Esoteric Buddhism. The vajra represents solid wisdom that crushes worldly desires, while the bell uses its pure sound to spread the Buddha’s teachings and awaken the dormant Buddha nature in people.
Lotus Flower
The lotus flower symbolizes that just as a beautiful flower blooms from the mud, one can attain pure enlightenment even in a human society covered in the mud of worldly passions. Aizen Myoo demonstrates that even as we live amidst desires, we can maintain a pure heart.
Origins and Historical Roots of Aizen Myoo
Origins in Indian Mythology
The origin of Aizen Myoo is believed to be Kama, the god of love in ancient Indian Hindu mythology. Kama holds a bow and arrow and is a god who awakens feelings of love in people. The concept of this god of love was incorporated into Buddhism and combined with the doctrines of Esoteric Buddhism, resulting in the birth of the Buddhist deity Aizen Myoo.
Introduction to Japan and Position in Esoteric Buddhism
Aizen Myoo was introduced to Japan during the Heian period along with Esoteric Buddhism by envoys to Tang China, including Kobo Daishi. In Esoteric Buddhism, Aizen Myoo is considered an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai or Kongosatta. He occupies an important position as an executing force that practices the highest Buddha’s teachings powerfully and in a way that is easy for people to understand.
The Teaching of “Earthly Desires are Enlightenment”
The fundamental teaching of Aizen Myoo is summarized in the phrase stating that earthly desires are enlightenment. This teaches that worldly passions and enlightenment are two sides of the same coin, and a strong desire to seek enlightenment is born precisely because there are worldly passions. It is a very positive philosophy that does not view desire itself as evil but transforms it into the power to live and the driving force to walk the Buddhist path.
Aizen Myoo as a Counterpart to Fudo Myoo
In Esoteric Buddhist temples, Aizen Myoo and Fudo Myoo are often enshrined together as attending deities to the main image. While Fudo Myoo crushes external obstacles with an immovable strong will, Aizen Myoo plays the role of transforming internal worldly passions into enlightenment. Having these two deities together is said to bring salvation to people from both the outside and the inside.
The Powerful Blessings of Aizen Myoo
Romantic Fulfillment and Praying for Good Matches
The most famous blessing of Aizen Myoo is romantic fulfillment and praying for good matches. Because he affirms human lust and transforms those strong feelings into positive power, he has garnered immense support from people who want their unrequited love to bear fruit or those seeking an encounter with a wonderful partner.
Marital Harmony and Family Peace
Aizen Myoo has the power not only for romance but also to deepen already established bonds. You can also expect blessings for family peace, strengthening the marital bond and maintaining harmony within the home. The deep love of Aizen Myoo helps you reaffirm your compassion and affection for your partner.
Good Health and Longevity
Aizen Myoo also possesses the power to dispel negative elements such as illness and disasters, in addition to internal worldly passions. Therefore, he widely responds to prayers for health, longevity, and a peaceful daily life.
Patron Deity of the Dyeing and Apparel Industries
Because the sound of the name “Aizen” is similar to indigo dyeing in Japanese, he has been worshipped by dyers and weavers since ancient times. Even today, people involved in the apparel and fashion industries can be seen visiting Aizen Myoo to pray for prosperous business and improved skills.
Praying for Victory in Battle (Faith from Sengoku Warlords)
Aizen Myoo also gathered faith as a deity of victory in battle due to his powerful wrathful appearance. The fact that he holds a bow and arrow, along with his powerful energy to crush worldly passions, served as emotional support for warlords during the Sengoku period, and he was worshipped as a god of war leading to victory.
Proper Faith and Worship Methods for Aizen Myoo
Aizen Myoo’s Mantra and Sanskrit Character
How to Chant the Mantra and Its Meaning
The mantra of Aizen Myoo is “On makaragya bazoroshunisha bazarasatoba jaku un ban koku.” By chanting this mantra, it is said that you can unite with the deity possessing great power of love, cutting off delusions and gaining the power to fulfill your wishes. When visiting a temple, you should chant it quietly with all your heart.
The Sanskrit Character Representing Aizen Myoo (Hum)
The Sanskrit character representing Aizen Myoo is the letter “Hum.” It is said that all the power and virtues of Aizen Myoo are concentrated in this single character, and it is frequently used on amulets and temple stamps. It is believed that just by looking at this Sanskrit character, you can receive the Buddha’s divine protection.
Naoe Kanetsugu’s “Love” Helmet and Aizen Myoo Faith
The helmet with the character for “Love” on the front crest, worn by the Sengoku warlord Naoe Kanetsugu, is extremely famous. According to one theory, this character for “Love” was taken from Aizen Myoo. Even in the deadly grounds of the battlefield, it is believed to have been a testament of faith to believe in the divine protection of Aizen Myoo and stick to one’s own beliefs.
Applying the Teachings to Daily Life
To apply the teachings of Aizen Myoo to daily life, it is important to accept your own desires and emotions honestly without denying them. When jealousy or strong attachment arises, by consciously transforming it into energy for personal growth or pure compassion for others, you can feel the virtues of Aizen Myoo close to you.
Famous Temples Nationwide Enshrining Aizen Myoo
Shoman-in Aizen-do (Osaka Prefecture)
Located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City, Shoman-in is affectionately known as “Aizen-san.” It is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku, and the Aizen Festival held every summer attracts a large crowd. It is a famous temple visited by worshippers from all over the country as a power spot for matchmaking and romantic fulfillment.
Saidai-ji Temple (Nara Prefecture)
Saidai-ji Temple in Nara City, the head temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect, houses a seated statue of Aizen Myoo designated as an Important Cultural Property. Made in the Kamakura period, this Buddhist statue features a blazing vermilion color and a powerful wrathful expression, allowing you to experience the majesty and deep compassion of Aizen Myoo up close.
Kongobu-ji Temple (Wakayama Prefecture)
Aizen Myoo is deeply worshipped at Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, as well as many other temples within Mount Koya. In this sacred site of Esoteric Buddhism, the teaching of transforming earthly desires into enlightenment held by Aizen Myoo has been passed down since ancient times, allowing you to worship in a solemn atmosphere.
Kakuon-ji Temple (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kakuon-ji Temple in Kamakura City is a historic temple enveloped in silence. A magnificent statue of Aizen Myoo is enshrined here as well, and there is an endless stream of worshippers praying for romantic fulfillment and family peace. It is a precious place where you can face the Buddha with a quiet mind in an environment rich in nature.
Conclusion | Receive the Deep Love and Blessings of Aizen Myoo
Behind his terrifying expression, Aizen Myoo is a Buddha who hides a deep affection that affirms even our lust and earthly desires, guiding us to enlightenment. He brings a wide range of blessings closely related to daily life, such as romantic fulfillment, good matches, and family peace.
The teaching of Aizen Myoo, which transforms desires into positive energy rather than forcing us to abandon them, is a tremendous salvation for us living in modern times. If you see the figure of Aizen Myoo when visiting a temple, please convey your daily gratitude and receive his deep compassion and powerful energy.
A Message from the Guide
There is a huge gap between his terrifying expression and his wonderful blessings.
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