Bodhisattva (bosatsu)
Myōon Bosatsu
妙音菩薩
Myōon Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who, in the Myōon Bosatsu chapter of the Lotus Sutra, comes from a world in the east to visit Shaka. It is told that he manifests in various forms, such as kings, monks, women and children, to teach. The context in which he appears differs from that of Myōonten, an alternative name of Benzaiten.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). 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
Changing form to suit the listener and convey the teaching
Myōon Bosatsu is a bodhisattva who, in the Myōon Bosatsu chapter of the Lotus Sutra, comes from a world in the east to visit Shaka. It is told that he manifests in various forms, such as kings, monks, women and children, to teach. The context in which he appears differs from that of Myōonten, an alternative name of Benzaiten.
Source: 広済寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
Music and offerings, and a heart that does not look down on others
It is taught that the merit of having offered music and a jeweled bowl to buddhas in the past led to Myōon Bosatsu's excellent form. When visiting Shaka's world, he is admonished not to look down on that world because of its size or appearance. It is a story that depicts respect for others who are different, together with offerings.
Source: 広済寺
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：妙音菩薩」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 広済寺「法華経解説：妙音菩薩品第二十四」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：妙音天」（2026-10-14 確認）