In Vajrayana Buddhism, a Wisdom King (Sanskrit Vidyārāja, Chinese: 明王; pinyin: Míngwáng; Japanese pronunciation: Myōō) is the third type of deity after buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Sanskrit name literally translates as "knowledge king", thus the Chinese character "明", meaning knowledgeable (and/or bright) is used, leading to wide array of alternative English names including "Radiant King", among others like "Guardian King". In Tibetan Buddhism, they are known as Herukas.
The female counterparts of Wisdom Kings are known as Wisdom Queens (Sanskrit vidyā-rājñī, Chinese: 明妃 Míngfēi, Japanese: 明妃 Myōhi), although it is ignored except the Tantrism.
On a general level, the Wisdom Kings are viewed as the guardians of Buddhism, and wrathful manifestations of Buddhas. In particular, the Five Wisdom Kings are the protectors of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.
According to the esoteric doctrine of the Three Wheels, whereas Buddhas represent pure concepts and bodhisattvas teach through compassion, Wisdom Kings are the embodiment of the wheel of injunction and teach through fear, shocking nonbelievers into faith.
Get down and get undercover
We call on all our heroes to tell us how to run to safety
Yeah, in the battle where we lie, we’ll sing this battle cry
We only know the poison will kill you
What’s left for us is all, in the city
What’s left for us is all that’s left
And it feels like I’m blind
We cannot keep anticipating
When it’s time to close your eyes
As it changes, nothing changes
Get undercover
I’ll regret all these mistakes
In time it will become what saves me
Yeah, in the battle where we lie, we’ll sing this battle cry
We only know the poison will kill you
What’s left for us is all, in the city
What’s left for us is all that’s left
And it feels like I’m blind
We cannot keep anticipating
When it’s time to close your eyes
As it changes, nothing changes
We’ll do this together
We’ll guide you in
When all of this is over
You’ll live to see it and die
And it feels like I’m blind
We cannot keep anticipating
When it’s time to close your eyes