Buddhist Deities Guide: Nyorai, Bosatsu, Myōō & Tenbu | Japonista
BUDDHIST STATUES & SACRED ART · ORIENTATION GUIDE
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Curator’s Note: “Deities” in Buddhism are not gods in the Western mythological sense. They are doctrinal roles expressed through form. Misunderstanding class leads to misidentification, incorrect restoration, and distorted valuation. This guide exists to orient the reader before deeper system masters are consulted.
What a Deity Class Is (and Is Not)
A deity class defines function, not personality. Class determines posture logic, iconographic restraint, and allowable attributes. Names come last.
The Four Primary Classes
Nyorai
Nyorai represent awakened completion. Their imagery is conservative and stabilized. Posture is closed or contained, mudra are restrained, and implements are minimal or absent. Nyorai do not intervene; they embody realization.
- Primary cue: structural stillness
- Common misread: “plain” or “unfinished”
- See full reference: Nyorai System Master
Bosatsu
Bosatsu represent vow and compassionate availability. Their posture allows engagement, often expressed through Royal Ease or gentle contrapposto. Attributes and jewelry are permitted, but must remain doctrinally coherent.
- Primary cue: availability without chaos
- Common misread: “decorative deity”
- See full reference: Bosatsu System Master
Myōō
Myōō represent disciplined intervention. Their force is controlled, not emotional. Dynamic posture, gripping mudra, and forceful implements signal restraint under pressure.
- Primary cue: controlled tension
- Common misread: “angry god”
- See full reference: Myōō System Master
Tenbu
Tenbu are guardian and supporting figures adapted from pre-Buddhist cosmologies. They operate within Buddhist systems but do not represent awakening itself.
- Primary cue: protective stance or motion
- Common misread: “lesser Buddha”
How to Identify Class Before Naming
- Read posture and stillness
- Confirm hand-state (mudra)
- Check implement presence
- Assess overall restraint vs action
- Name last
Why This Matters
Correct class identification prevents doctrinal error, restoration damage, and market distortion. Most serious mistakes occur when names are applied before structure is read.