also: きょうじ
noun
flanking attendant image (in a Buddhist triad)
Buddhist term for the attendant figures flanking the central deity in a triad arrangement, such as the bodhisattvas beside Amida Buddha. Compare 中尊 (central image) and 三尊 (triad).
See also: 三尊 (さんぞん) · 中尊 (ちゅうぞん)
阿弥陀三尊では、観音菩薩と勢至菩薩が脇侍として配置される。
In an Amida triad, Kannon and Seishi bodhisattvas are placed as flanking attendants.
この
In this group of Buddhist statues, two flanking attendants stand on either side of the central figure.
Variant kanji form using 士 instead of 侍; also read わきじ.
Rare form using outdated kanji 夾; read きょうじ.
Rare form using outdated kanji 挟; read きょうじ.
From 脇 (わき, 'side') + 侍 (じ, 'attendant'). The reading きょうじ uses the on'yomi of the kanji.