Does anyone have a clear definition for the second meaning of the word "amanojaku" (1. a perverse person; 2. devil beneath temple guardian deities)? When it says "beneath", does it mean physically beneath or behind, or acting malevolently under the radar of the guardian deity, or does it mean subservient to the deity?

Hey, I vaguely remember this from my old mythology studies. I actually know something for once. :sweatface: Both of those translations/interperations are a bit off. I'm just going to copy down a chunk of text out of a book for you, because I really don't feel like explaining this myself, and I'd probably screw it up anyway. :biggrin:

What is the amanojaku?
"The amanojaku ("demonic deva") is apparently first found in a demon face molded into the chest armor worn by Bishamonten, one of the four deva kings and tutelaries of Buddhism. Associated with water, this minor demon was called "Lord of the River" (Kahaku or Kawanu), the same title, interestingly enough, given to the god of the Yellow River in China (see Chuang Tzu, chapter 17 "Autumn Floods"). In the context of Bishamonten, the Lord of the River came to be written with characters that identified it as Amanojaku, a young sprite (jaku) of the ocean (ama). In time, the demon migrated from Bishamon's armor to one or two small demons serving as Bishamon's footstool, as seen in the accompanying illustration.

[status's note: so literally 'beneath', the included illustration depicts Bishamon resting one leg on the heads of two demons]

"In folk parlance, the term amanojaku came to be applied to anyone who is "contrary," constantly taking actions in opposition to whatever others say or intend. That trait is a reflection of the mystical amanojaku's paranormal ability to read minds. Knowing what it is you want to say or do, the spiteful Amanojaku immediately comes up with a contrary statement or action, thus frustrating your purposes. Other facets of the amanojaku's "trickster" nature are suggested by its reputed ability to mimic shapes and sounds at will, and to fly. Most frightenly, it likes to insinuate itself within human society, to foil the good intentions of its human neighbors."

Thanks a bunch. Exactly what I needed to know.