Wisdom King (myōō)
Kaen Myōō
火焔明王
Shōhōin introduces Kaen Myōō as a myōō who removes the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness. The three poisons are a Buddhist term for the workings of the mind that drive people toward suffering and conflict. The flames are explained as the power that removes them.
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
Kaen Myōō, said to burn away the three poisons
Shōhōin introduces Kaen Myōō as a myōō who removes the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness. The three poisons are a Buddhist term for the workings of the mind that drive people toward suffering and conflict. The flames are explained as the power that removes them.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Calming a poisonous dragon with flames
The temple's description records a tradition that he sends out fierce fire from his body to subdue a poisonous dragon. The form with three eyes, holding a sword and a spear, has been handed down as an image expressing this stern work.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：火焔明王」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）