EXECERPT FROM THIS BOOK: A HANDBOOK FOR TRAVELLERS IN JAPAN (INCLUDING FORMOSA), BY BASIL CHAMBERLAIN,F.R.G.S. AND W.B. MASON, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SCOTTISH GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY AND LATE OF THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS. WITH THIRTY MAPS AND PLANS AND NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS. NINTH EDITION, REVISED THROUGHOUT. LONDON. JOHN MURRAY, ALLEMARLE STREET. YOKOHAMA, SHANGHAI,- KELLY&WALSH, LIMITED-HONKONG, SINGAPORE.1913
FUDÕ
IS
FUDÕ- (Sanskrit Achala)
Much obscurity hangs over the origin and attributes of this popular divinity. According to Monier Williams,- Achala which means immovable. Fudo 不動 translates this meaning exactly is a name of the Brahmini call The God Siva and of the first of the nine deified persons, who are called White Balas. Among the Jainas (Satow says)- Fudō Akshara is identified with Dainichi Vâirôkana, else The God of Wisdom, which quality is symbolised by the flames which surround him. It is a common error to suppose that he is the God of Fire.
According to the popular view- the sharp sword which he grasps in the right hand is to frighten evil doers, while in his left hand he holds a rope to bind them with. Fudo is generally represented in art attended by his two chief followers Seitaka Dōji and Kongara Dōji.