Aizen Myoo, meaning "Love-stained Wisdom King", is known to transform worldly lust into spiritual awakening, by way of helping the devotees rechannel their worldly desires into something greater. The deity is depicted and portrayed as a red-skinned man with a fearsome appearance. The deity's vertical third eye and flaming wild hair represent rage, lust and passion. It is petitioned by devotees for a peaceful home and fortune in business.
Aizen Myo-o is typically depicted in a masculine and wrathful posture, usually rendered in red. The name "Aizen" means "one who purifies desires and attachments," symbolizing his role in helping followers transcend worldly desires and attain true awakening and liberation.
Aizen Myo-o is depicted with multiple arms and faces, each holding Buddhist symbolic items or weapons. These hands represent various aspects of compassion, wrath, knowledge, and more, symbolizing his multifaceted nature. They are used to provide different teachings and guidance to his followers.
Aizen Myo-o is revered in various Buddhist sects in Japan, including Shingon Buddhism (真言宗) and Tendai Buddhism (天台宗). Especially in esoteric Buddhism (密教), he is highly respected for his role in leading practitioners to overcome desires and attachments, fostering their spiritual growth.
His worship can be observed in temples and shrines across Japan, particularly during esoteric Buddhist rituals and practices. Believers turn to Aizen Myo-o for his protection and guidance, trusting that he can lead them on the path to liberation from worldly desires and suffering.
In summary, Aizen Myo-o holds a significant place in Japanese Buddhist faith, guiding followers to transcend desires and attachments while fostering spiritual growth. His multi-armed and multi-faced form symbolizes the various teachings and paths to enlightenment, making him a revered figure, especially in esoteric Buddhism.