manifestation of a Buddha as a Shinto kami
A term from honji suijaku thought, where a Buddhist deity temporarily appears in the form of a native Japanese kami to save sentient beings. Often encountered in historical and religious contexts, especially in reference to figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tōshō Daigongen).
Tōshō Daigongen is the posthumous Shinto title of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Shrines built in the Gongen style reflect the honji suijaku concept.
Sannō Gongen; deity of Hie Shrine
Gongen-zukuri; Shinto architectural style with connected halls
Kumano Gongen; deity of the three main Kumano shrines
kami of the three main Kumano shrines
Standard kanji spelling for this Buddhist-Shinto syncretic term.
From 権 (provisional, temporary) and 現 (manifestation), translating the Sanskrit concept of avatāra or nirmāṇa-kāya in a Japanese Buddhist-Shinto syncretic context.