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Modern metal statue of Jikokuten at Hase Dera, Kamakura
(click image to see full-size photo)

This page borrowed heavily from the fine research and commentary given by the Great Mandala Study Group at: www.gakkaionline.net/ mandala/4Kings.html Thank you Mandala Study Group !!!

Jikokuten
Skt = Dhrtarasta, Dhritarashtra
East, Spring, Green/Blue, Water
Name literally means "Guardian of the Nation;" Maintains and Protects the State/Nation/World; Kingdom Keeper, Upholder of the Nation; usually carries a sword in right hand, with closed left hand resting on hip; sometimes shown holding a stringed instrument or playing a lute; said to command an army of Kendatsuba (Gandharva; celestial musicians) and Bishasha (Pisaca; vampire demons); Jikokuten, as the Buddhist protector of the eastern quarter, is similar to the dragon of Chinese mythology. Jikokuten's Tibetan name is Yul Khorsung, and in China he is called Chiguo. (Editor's note: The colors and symbols associated with Jikokuten vary according to sect and location).  

 Mantra for Jikokuten

 Sanskrit for Jikokuten -- CHIRI

Jikokuten (Dhratarastra), Plain wood, 50.3 cm
Asuka Era, 7th Century, Houryuu-ji Temple

Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra), 93 cm, Wood with Pigments
 Heian Periond, 11 to 12th century, Houryuu-ji Temple

Says the Great Mandala Study Group
When Jikokuten is depicted with a stringed instrument, this reminds us to seek the Middle Way ?if the strings are too tight, they will break; if the strings are too slack, no sound is produced.

JYAKI DEMON
In Japan, the Four Shitenno Guardians are almost always shown stepping on the Jyaki demon. Click here for more on this demon.

Jyaki at Hase Dera in Kamakura

• Shitenno, Four Heavenly Kings,
  Commanded by Taishakuten
  See the top page for links to all the Shitenno for much more.
   
• The Shitenno are also associated with the four legendary creatures of Chinese mythology. See Shijin for more on these four creatures.

• The Great Mandala (Gohonzon) Study Group
  www.gakkaionline.net/mandala/4Kings.html
   
• Wonderful Site for Textual Info on Buddhism
  campross.crosswinds.net/ShuteiMandala/4kings.html
  Excerpt: "They appear in the ceremony of the Lotus Sutra with their ten thousand retainer gods; in the "Dharani" (26th chapter), Bishamonten and Jikokuten pledge on behalf of all four to protect those who embrace the Lotus Sutra."
   
• Nara National Museum - Japanese Language Only
  http://www.narahaku.go.jp/meihin/
  Wonderful photos of various deities
   
• Kyoto National Museum
  http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/meihin/mhind3e.htm
   
• Above Sanskrit Characters Courtesy of: (Japanese language site)
  http://www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/butuzo/hotoke/hotokes.html
   
• Japanese Language Pages about Shitenno
  www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/bonzisyo/set/4ten.html
   
• Diagram of Mt. Sumeru
  The Buddhist Realm (Japanese language only)
  www.tctv.ne.jp/tobifudo/HandS/tango/3000sekai/3senseksai.html
   
• In Japanese mandala, the four Shitenno guardians are typically shown, from the top, starting with the Eastern Guardian. Thus, the typical order is Jikokuten (East), Zouchoten (South), Komokuten (West), and Tamonten (North). 

Copyright Mark Schumacher. Email Mark.
All stories and photos, unless specified otherwise, by Mark
www.onmarkproductions.com