堂島 大吾, Dōjima Daigo

堂島 大吾, Dōjima Daigo

Type: Traditional

Features: Fudo Myo-oh wreathed in cleansing flames 

Fudo Myo-oh - The manifestation of the Dainichi Buddha, who seeks to use his fury and angry expression to frighten people into following the Buddhist teachings. There are two designs for Fudo Myo-o, one where his eyes are both wide open and one where he has one eye closed. Both eye being open represents the nation’s spiritual protection, while one eye closed (as with Daigo’s tattoo) represents personal protection. He represents the luminescent wisdom of Buddhism, protects the Buddhist teachings, removes all obstacles to enlightenment, and forces evil to surrender. He is depicted carrying his sword “Kurikara” the demon-subjugating sword, a rope for restraining demons, and seated (sometimes on a rock) to represent his immovable faith.

Fudo Myo-oh’s sword and the dragon wound around the blade are both named “Kurikara.” They reference a story in which Fudo Myo-oh fights a demon who transformed itself into a sword. Fudo Myo-oh also turned himself into a sword to continue the battle, and when Fudo Myo-oh still can not win the battle he turns himself into a dragon and engulfs the sword with flames, defeating the demon. Kurikara is said to hold the knowledge of the swordfighting arts, which it will share with the worthy.

Flames - Fudo Myo-oh’s flaming aura represents the purification of the mind by the burning away of all material desires. Flames also represent passion, energy, desire, and movement