Myoo (Kings of Light or Wisdom)
Myoo is the Sino-Japanese translation of the Sanskrit term "vidyaraja," designating a group of kings of light or wisdom. Myoo became objects of reverence which, receiving orders from Esoteric Buddhism's Dainichi Nyorai, crush all enemies who oppose them and forcefully lead the unwilling toward the Buddha to ensure their salvation. Painted or sculpted images of myoo usually have fearsome visages and dynamic, angry postures. Many have multiple faces and/or arms, and some hold weapons and are enveloped in flames. Their origins derive from the more violent manisfestations of the Indian deity Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. There are many different types of myoo, including the so-called Five Great Myoo, namely, Fudo, Gozanze, Gundari, Daiitoku, and Kongoyasha. Popular faith was also put in such myoo as Aizen, Taigensui, and Kujaku. Rather than being portrayed as fearsome, Kujaku Myoo suggests bosatsu-like compassion.
The various myoo were often worshipped in groups as principal objects of reverence in Esoteric Buddhist temples, but Fudo and Aizen were also widely worshiped by the common people as independent entities.
