Enma – Regent of Hell
Enma, Japanese Buddhist Lord of Hell, a path of Yama, Lord of Death, is the most powerful of the Kings of Hell. He rules Jigoku, the hell realm of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism. After death, Enma decides whether a human soul has been sinful or virtuous and determines their next destination. During life, people are cautioned to behave ethically because Enma is always watching. Enma is served by Oni. His primary opponent is the Bodhisattva Jizo.
Enma and his son, Koenma (“Little Enma”), run the Spirit World in the Japanese manga/anime series YuYu Hakusho.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Emma-O; Emma; Enmaten; Emmaten; Emma-sama; Enma-sama; Emma-Daio
MANIFESTATION:
Enma-sama is a large, imposing red-faced, black-bearded man.
FLOWER:
Spider lily (Lycoris spp.)
SEE ALSO:
- Amida Buddha
- Datsueba
- Jizo
- Kings of Hell
- Oni
- Wanyudo
- Yama
- Japanese Mythology – Legend and Folklore
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.