Wisdom King

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.

Doctrine

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.