A rare Buddhist term referring to a sacred utterance or incantation, especially in esoteric traditions. Not commonly used outside specialized contexts.
密教では、明呪を唱えることで悟りに近づくとされる。
In esoteric Buddhism, it is said that chanting mantras brings one closer to enlightenment.
great six-syllable mantra ("om mani padme hum")
The term 明呪 is a Sino-Japanese compound: 明 (myō, 'bright, wisdom') and 呪 (ju, 'spell, incantation'). It likely entered Japanese through Buddhist texts, translating the Sanskrit concept of mantra as an enlightened utterance. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.