/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>16436416
Hercules could show up

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.

https://books.google.com/books?id=q_2XtkSRyTYC

http://www.ancient.eu/article/208/

http://www.academia.edu/1977694/The_Shift_from_Aniconic_to_Anthropomorphic_Buddha_in_Greco-Buddhist_Iconography_How_Anthropomorphism_Advanced_Buddhism

http://www.rtp72.eu/index.html?japan/Nio%20Guards/Nio%20Guards%20concept.html