spiritual protection of the state
Buddhist concept of safeguarding the nation through religious rites and the power of Buddhist teachings. Often associated with state-sponsored Buddhism in ancient Japan.
During the Nara period, the idea of spiritual protection of the state flourished.
Many temples were built for the spiritual protection of the state.
護国 is a more general term for 'defense of the nation' and can be used in secular contexts, while 鎮護国家 specifically refers to spiritual or Buddhist protection.
Compound of 鎮護 (spiritual protection) and 国家 (state). The term originates from Buddhist state-protection thought in ancient Japan.