noun
incarnation (of Buddha or bodhisattva); avatar
Buddhist term for a temporary manifestation of a Buddha or bodhisattva in a form that can be perceived by sentient beings. Compare 実化, which refers to a real physical birth.
See also: 実化
観音菩薩は衆生を救うために様々な権化として現れるとされる。
Kannon Bodhisattva is said to appear in various incarnations to save sentient beings.
noun
embodiment; incarnation; personification
Figurative use: someone or something that perfectly represents a quality, often negative. Common in phrases like 悪の権化 (embodiment of evil).
彼はまるで悪の権化のような振る舞いをした。
He acted as if he were the embodiment of evil.
あの政治家は腐敗の権化だと批判
That politician is criticized as the personification of corruption.
From 権 (provisional, temporary) + 化 (transformation, manifestation). A Buddhist term originally referring to a Buddha or bodhisattva appearing in a temporary form to guide beings.