heresy; evil ways; path of evil
Only when written 魔道
Refers to morally corrupt or heretical doctrines, often in a religious or philosophical context. Restricted to the 魔道 kanji spelling.
彼は魔道に堕ちたと非難された。
He was accused of falling into heresy.
Supernatural practices involving dark arts, often in fantasy or occult contexts. Both 魔道 and 魔導 are used.
その魔道士は魔道の力で敵を倒した。
The sorcerer defeated the enemy with the power of black magic.
netherworld; realm of evil spirits
Buddhist term for a world outside the six realms where evil spirits wander. Rare outside specialized contexts.
See also: 六道
In Buddhism, the netherworld is said to exist outside the six realms.
魔法 is a general term for magic or sorcery, whereas 魔道 emphasizes the dark or heretical aspect of magical practices.
Standard kanji spelling for heresy, evil ways, and sorcery senses.
Alternate kanji spelling often used in fantasy contexts for sorcery or black magic.
Compound of 魔 (ma, 'demon, evil spirit') and 道 (dō, 'way, path'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used in both Buddhist and secular contexts to denote a path of evil or heresy.