noun
ceremony to appease evil gods and spirits of the dead
Historical Buddhist rite held to pacify vengeful spirits (御霊) and prevent calamities. Primarily associated with Heian-period court rituals.
御霊会は、平安時代に怨霊を鎮めるために行われた。
The Goryō-e was performed in the Heian period to appease vengeful spirits.
怨霊 is a more general term for vengeful spirits, whereas 御霊 often implies spirits of noble or imperial origin that require special rites.
From 御霊 (goryō, 'vengeful spirit') + 会 (e, 'gathering' or 'ceremony'). The term originates in Heian-period court Buddhism.