also: じょうぶく
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
exorcism; subjugation of evil spirits
Buddhist term for subduing demonic forces or evil influences through ritual power. Often used in the context of esoteric Buddhist practices.
高僧が悪霊を調伏するために護摩を焚いた。
The high priest performed a goma ritual to exorcise the evil spirit.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
cursing to death; putting a deadly curse on
Folk or occult usage: invoking a curse to kill someone. Distinct from the Buddhist exorcism sense; often implies malicious intent.
昔話では、恨みを晴らすために丑の刻参りで相手を調伏しようとする話がある。
In old tales, there are stories of people trying to curse someone to death by visiting a shrine at the hour of the ox to avenge a grudge.