Samurai Buddhism respects all Buddhas & Buddhist deities with a focus on Fudo, Nio & Zenjin

Fudo Myoo - Vairocana Buddha

The Supreme Deity in Samurai Buddhism is the Almighty Fudo Myoo - the warrior form of the Cosmic Buddha of the Universe Vairocana Dainichi Nyorai. Dainichi is the absolute highest being in the Buddhist Cosmos and can be seen in the tallest statues of both Japan (Todaiji) and China (Spring Temple Buddha and Longman Grottoes). Dainichi is the source of all Buddhas and all in existence -- thus being the God Equivalent in Buddhism. His warrior form Fudo Myoo is the "Master above all Buddhas" and the Leader of all 13 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that are the most popular Buddhist deities. Fudo Myoo helped the Tang Dynasty and the Samurai conquer all enemies including even the mighty Mongols and His statue was even carried into battle by history's greatest warriors Musashi and Shingen. Tokugawa Ieyasu took his Buddhist vows in front of Fudo and prayed to Fudo before the most important battle that made Tokugawa the most prosperous dynasty in history. Fudo-sama teaches us to be unmovable and unswayable in our convictions and to use the flames of adversity to guide us to Enlightenment. Fudo Buddha also commands us to defend Buddhism against all enemies of Buddha and Buddhist texts state that Fudo conquered the Hindu god Shiva in battle and intimidate the Hindu gods Vishnu, Brahma and others. During the Christian invasion of Japan, Fudo temples were erected at key spots and the Christians were defeated. Fudo Myoo is thus the only Deity to never lose a war and is called the true Almighty Deity. Fudo's temple Naritasan Shinshoji is among the top 2 most widely visited Buddhist temples in the world. Its name means" Victory in Battle by the blessings of Fudo".

Nio & ZENJIN (Warrior Buddhist deities)

We also honor Nio Kongo Rikishi which is the first and last Deity we bow to at Buddhist temples across East Asia. In addition, we honor the powerful ZENJIN or Dharmapala Warrior deities that serve as the Generals of Almighty Fudo Myoo including Bishamonten - the Leader of the 4 Heavenly Generals who served as the God of War for Samurai and played a key role in the lives of both Prince Shotoku and Uesugi Kenshin. For more information please visit FudoBuddha.jp and FudoShu.jp