Gōzanze Myōō

Gōzanze Myōō (降三世明王), Conqueror of the Three Worlds, is the wisdom king of the east among the Godai Myōō. He subdues the three poisons of greed, anger and ignorance, and his image tells the story of his victory over the proud gods of the Hindu world.

Japanese 降三世明王, Gōzanze Myōō
Sanskrit Trailokyavijaya
Rank Wisdom king
Recognise by Three or four faces, eight arms, little fingers hooked together at the chest, two figures under the feet
Direction East, emanation of Ashuku Nyorai

Identifying Gōzanze

Gōzanze usually has a principal face with a third eye, three further faces and eight arms. The two principal hands cross at the chest with the little fingers linked, the gōzanze-in. The other hands hold a bell, a vajra, a bow and arrow, a sword and a rope. His feet stand on two prostrate figures: Daijizaiten, the great god Maheśvara, and his consort Uma, the pride of the old gods brought low.

Meaning

Esoteric texts tell how Maheśvara refused to submit to the Buddha's teaching until Gōzanze subdued him. The trampled figures are not defeated enemies so much as converted ones: after their submission they became protectors. The image teaches that even the strongest pride can be turned.

In Japanese art

The Gōzanze of the Tōji lecture hall, of the ninth century, is the classic model. Gōzanze also appears in the Diamond Realm of the Two Realms Mandala and in painted sets of the five kings.

Collecting notes

  • The two small figures underfoot are often missing on single sculptures, which can make Gōzanze look like other kings. Count faces and check the crossed fingers.
  • Single figures are uncommon outside temples and usually come from dispersed sets.

In the collection

Browse wisdom kings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a Gōzanze image.

See also

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