Goho-doji (Ototen & Wakaten)The Two Youths Protecting Shoku Shonin: Ototen and Wakaten
ごほうどうじ(おとてん・わかてん)
Detailed Description
Ototen and Wakaten are a pair of *Goho-doji* (Dharma-protecting youths) who attended Shoku Shonin, the founder of Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha. Ototen is said to be an incarnation of Fudo Myoo and Wakaten an incarnation of Bishamonten. In the forms of a blue ogre and a red ogre respectively, they protected the holy man on his left and right, fetching firewood and water and repelling enemies during his mountain asceticism. They embody the inherent duality of *Goho-doji*—fierce ogre-deities who nevertheless submit to a holy monk and protect the Buddhist teachings—within the context of Harima's mountain Buddhism. They are still enshrined today in the Ototen Shrine and Wakaten Shrine (built in 1559, Important Cultural Properties) next to the Okunoin of Engyoji Temple. Subjugating fierce power and turning it toward good—these child-formed ogre-deities commanded by highly virtuous ascetics reflect the religious imagination of medieval Japan.
Source Information
種類全体の出典primary
圓教寺(書写山円教寺)
年代: 966
出版社: 西国三十三所第二十七番札所
Personality
Possesses both absolute loyalty to the holy monk and the fierce valor unique to ogre-deities. Ototen is indomitable like Fudo Myoo, and Wakaten is majestic and martial like Bishamonten. Though fierce, they are selfless, working entirely for what they must protect.
Compatibility
志を立てて修行・研鑽に励む者、守護を求める信心深い者と深く結ぶ。仏法や師への不敬を働く者には鬼神の貌で対する。
Abilities & Skills
Weaknesses
Ultimately subordinate beings commanded by an ascetic; they do not wield power independently. Their existence relies on the virtue and spiritual power of the holy monk they serve.
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