RedGage

Here's a short primer on Japanese Buddhist deities. According to Japanese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist deities are grouped in the following four categories. Here they are:

1) NYORAI: Buddha;

2) BOSATSU: Bodhisattva;

3) MYO-O: Vidyaraja;

4) TENBU: Deva.


Re: 1) Buddha is a Sanskrit term for praise. The Sanskrit term for Buddha is Tathagata which is translated as "NYORAI" in Japanese. The "NYORAI" are depicted with special hand gestures (mudra).

Re: 2) Bodhi refers to wisdom and sattva refers to hero in Sanskrit which is translated as "BOSATSU" in Japanese. Bosatsu are sentient beings who have reached the final stage of transmigration and enlightenment. They can become a Buddha but remain on earth to alleviate suffering and help others.

Re: 3) Myo-O refers to wisdom kings. The Sanskrit term is vidyaraja. They are Hindu deities adopted in the pantheon of Japanese Buddhism. They serve and protect the NYRORAI.

Re: 4) The Sanskrit term deva is translated as 'ten' in Japanese. They are also Hindu deities and include non-human entities who have converted to Buddhism due to adopting the teachings of the historical Buddha. They also protect the NYORAI and BOSATSU. They are also protectors of the Buddhist law, dharma in Sanskrit.