Tamonten also Bishamonten Lord of the North, Member of Shitenno Japanese Buddhism & Sculpture
Even the most basic traits of Benzaiten are removed once Bishamonten awakens. Bishamonten has purple eyes and her hair remains long and is of different shades of green. It is kept in a ponytail, her fringe is normally seen above her eyes and her bangs are thick and caress her face. Her attire is a white bodysuit that is open in the middle, exposing her stomach and underside of her breasts.
In Taoist belief, he is conflated with the god Li Jing, whose iconography incorporates many of Vaiśravaṇa's characteristics, such as carrying a pagoda. Sometimes shown holding a mongoose, representing victory over the Naga . Kangiten is regarded as protector of temples and worshipped generally by gamblers, actors, geishas and people in the business of “pleasure“.
Many of the mantras are embedded in the various chants done in the Korean tradition. The one you mentioned is included in the Morning Bell Chant They in turn, come from the Chinese tradition, so presumably one could research their origin that way. I have seen some of these mantra's in various sutra's and shastra's, but I am definitely no scholar when it comes to that stuff.
And of course there are dharanis, which are longer than popular mantras and daily recited in the morning, noon and evening. Daihishin of Avalokiteshvara, Butchosonsho of Ushnishavijaya and other. The symbolism of the Buddhist deity is also an additional reason for the popularity of these tattoos as both wrath and unshakable faith are two of the most popular themes in tattoo designs. Japan is a country of many religions and mythologies – Shintoism being the oldest and most prominent one, followed by different variations of Buddhism, Chinese Taoism, and Hinduism.
This, strangely enough, reminds me of contemporary football teams – either high school or college – praying for divine intervention. The winning side convinces itself that it has been shown celestial favoritism. The detail shown below is from a Meiji period painting of Bishamon. It was purchased by Patdem and posted by him at commons.wikimedia.org. Let’s start with this gorgeous Edo period, polychromed, wooden sculpture of Bishamon standing on top of a blue demon.
Bishamonten is the scourge of evil doers, the black warrior, and one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. This may have been the 88th temple, but it is not the end of the journey. What will you bring back and share with those awaiting your return?
It should also be noted that these ‘virtues’ are not linked to morality, but are more closely tied to qualities one would want to possess. That is why a long life, wealth 毘沙門天 and popularity are included in this list. Of course, the Protestant ethic links success in life to one of God’s blessings, but still… And popularity? Just ask any Hollywood celeb where they rank on the morality scale. Confucian virtues are tied to morality, but they are Chinese and not necessarily Japanese – something you knew already. It is said that in the 12th century when the Taira were vying with the Minamoto for control of Japan both sides were appealing to Bishamon for support.
This temple is thought to be an especially effective place to pray for victory in battle. This is because at the time of the Mongol invasions, Emperor Kameyama came here and prayed for the safety of the nation. They belonged originally to the Brahmanic pantheon, and in Buddhism were partly assimilated by the dragon. At Sanjusangendo in Kyoto, two of the 28 followers of Kannon in the temple are Taishakuten , and his attendant, Kinnara, who is playing the drum . Not commonly represented in the Buddhist artwork of Japan.
The Deva (meaning “celestial beings”) rank above theAsura and humans in the six stages of existence. Many devas have godlike powers, and reign over celestial kingdoms of happiness and splendor. Deva live countless years, but their lives eventually end, for the Deva are not yet free from the cycle of birth and death . That distinction belongs only to the Bosatsu, the Rakan, andNyorai . Among the Eight Legions, the Deva are represented most often by Bonten,Taishakuten, the four Shitennō , and the Goddess Benzaiten. Among the eight Yashaou, and one of Bishamonten’s attendants.