/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>45893783
To further drive this point.
Buddhism is very well known for incorporating foreign gods and concepts into it.
A good example would be Hercules.
As Buddhism expanded in Central Asia and fused with Hellenistic influences into Greco-Buddhism, the Greek hero Heracles was adopted to represent Vajrapāni.
In Japan, Vajrapāni is known as "the head vajra-wielding god" (執金剛神 Shukongōshin), and has been the inspiration for the Niō (仁王, Benevolent Kings), the wrath-filled and muscular guardian gods of the Buddha, standing today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples under the appearance of frightening, wrestler-like statues. He is also associated with Acala (不動明王 Fudō-myōō); the mantra for Fudō-myōō references him as the powerful wielder of the vajra.
Vajrapani is the protector and guide of the Buddha Sakyamuni.
The war deity Kartikeya, who bears the title Skanda is also a manifestation of Vajrapani, who bears some resemblance to Skanda because they both wield the vajra and are portrayed with flaming halos. He is also connected through Vajrapani through a theory to his connection to Greco-Buddhism, as Wei Tuo's image is reminiscent of the Heracles depiction of Vajrapani.
It's the same for China and the reason why in the West, Buddha is seen as some fat Chinese guy laughing which is in reality a Chinese god of fortune.

>>44305276
Hercules when?