Kannon (bodhisattva)
Tokuō Kannon
徳王観音
Tokuō Kannon is a Kannon listed as one of the Thirty-Three Kannon. These Thirty-Three Kannon are a group of images that express Kannon's salvation in various forms. They do not correspond name for name with the thirty-three manifestations in the sutra.
This introduction is based on materials published by shrines, temples, and schools, starting with Shōhōin. It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
The name and role of Tokuō Kannon
A Kannon listed as one of the Thirty-Three Kannon. It is described as being named Tokuō because it is excellent in possessing the four virtues of permanence, bliss, self and purity.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing its form and traditions
It is said to be seated on a rock, holding a willow branch.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Kannon's compassion, saving by changing form
The images of the Thirty-Three Kannon are associated with the thirty-three manifestations, the teaching that Kannon changes form to suit each person in order to save them. However, the thirty-three names in this list, such as Yōryū Kannon and Suigetsu Kannon, are not identified one by one with the thirty-three manifestations named in the sutra. Various beliefs and pictorial expressions from India, China and Japan overlap in them.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・浅草寺
Image sources that hand down thirty-three forms
Shōhōin introduces this group based on the Butsuzō Zui, published in the Edo period. The names express attributes, dwelling places, gestures, saving works and so on. Some have individual origins told about them, while others center on form and name, so not every figure necessarily has its own story or meaning for prayer.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Compassion that listens to suffering and leads to peace
Sensō-ji describes Kannon as a buddha who receives people's voices, removes suffering and gives ease. Turning one's heart toward salvation from hardship is an entry point to understanding faith in Kannon. This is a description of the compassion shared by Kannon in general, not a list that sets particular benefits for each of the thirty-three images.
Source: 浅草寺
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：徳王観音」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：三十三観音」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 浅草寺「浅草寺のご本尊」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 龍雲山 太興院「太興院の仏さま：十六羅漢・観音（接賓）」（2026-10-16 確認）