Five Myoos come together to form the group of Myoo; Fudo Myoo is at the center, with Gozanze Myoo, Gundari Myoo, Daiitoku Myoo, and Kongoyasha Myoo positioned around it to the north, south, east, and west. The five great Myoo are the most powerful forms of anger that get rid of various obstacles, but they also completely envelop and protect the center and the four cardinal directions. Thus, it is said that the five Myoo have both great power and benefits.
The "Tō-ji Gata Zafudō" (東寺型座不動) is one of the Five Great Wisdom Kings (五大明王) in Esoteric Buddhism and holds a significant role in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, particularly within the Shingon sect (a branch of Esoteric Buddhism). The Tō-ji Gata Zafudō is highly venerated at the Tō-ji Temple (東寺) in Japan, where it plays a special and important role.
Tō-ji Gata Zafudō is depicted in a meditative posture, known as "zazen" (座禅), which is where the name originates. In this form, the deity sits in meditation, holding a bell (鈴, suzu) in the left hand and a sword (剣, ken) in the right. The bell symbolizes wisdom, while the sword represents the power to conquer delusions and negative thoughts. Additionally, a small Buddhist image or seed may be depicted on the deity's head, symbolizing the seed of enlightenment or the path to enlightenment.
Worship of Tō-ji Gata Zafudō is believed to provide assistance and protection on the path to enlightenment for devotees. The deity is seen as a guardian against impurities and delusions, guiding practitioners toward truth and wisdom. Tō-ji Gata Zafudō also functions as a guardian deity for the Tō-ji Temple, ensuring its peace and prosperity.
Tō-ji Temple is located in Kyoto, Japan, and holds great significance as the head temple of the Shingon sect. The statue of Tō-ji Gata Zafudō within the temple is highly revered, drawing pilgrims and devotees seeking blessings, strength, and wisdom. Annually, Tō-ji Temple hosts festivals and rituals dedicated to Tō-ji Gata Zafudō, providing followers with opportunities to offer prayers and seek the deity's assistance.
In summary, Tō-ji Gata Zafudō is one of the Five Great Wisdom Kings in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, known for its meditation posture and its role in providing guidance and protection on the path to enlightenment. It is closely associated with Tō-ji Temple and holds significance as a guardian deity for both individual practitioners and the temple itself.