Ulkāmukha Pretarāja

The Sanskrit term "Ulkāmukha" translates to "flaming mouth" or "torch-faced," reflecting his characteristic appearance. "Pretarāja" means "king of the pretas." His name thus signifies his role as the ruler of the hungry ghosts and his ability to consume and transform their suffering.^[3]

Ulkāmukha Pretarāja is typically depicted like a hungry ghost, with a fearsome appearance, often with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing his power and ability to overcome obstacles. He is characterized by a gaping mouth with flames emanating from it, representing his ability to consume negative karma and the suffering of pretas. His expression is fierce, signifying his role as both protector and liberator. Sometimes he is depicted with the uniform of a general, emphasizing his role as a leader of the hungry ghosts. He may hold various ritual implements, such as a vajra, a rope, or a treasure pagoda, each embodying different aspects of his power and compassion. He sometimes holds a banner with the mantra Om mani padme hum written on it. A crown adorned with skulls is often depicted, symbolizing the impermanence of life. In paintings or effigies, he is always depicted with an emanation of Guanyin above his head, emphasizing his true form.^[3]

The account of the Flaming-Faced Ghost King (面燃鬼王) is documented in several Buddhist scriptures, including the Sutra on the Dharani for Saving the Flaming-Mouthed Hungry Ghosts (佛說救拔焰口餓鬼陀羅尼經) and the Yoga Compendium: Dharani for Saving Ananda and the Flaming-Mouthed Ritual (瑜珈集要救阿難陀羅尼焰口軌儀經), translated by Amoghavajra (不空三藏) during the Tang dynasty, as well as the Sutra on the Dharani and Divine Mantra for Saving the Flaming-Faced Hungry Ghosts (救面燃餓鬼陀羅尼神咒經), translated by Śikṣānanda^[zh](實叉難陀) during the Tang dynasty.^[4]

According to these texts, Ananda, one of the Buddha's principal disciples, was practicing meditation in a forest when he suddenly encountered a terrifying ghost king. This ghost king was emaciated, with flames burning fiercely across its face, and it appeared to be in extreme agony. The ghost king introduced itself as "Mianran" (面燃, also known as "Yankou" or Flaming Mouth) and warned Ananda that he would fall into the hungry ghost realm (餓鬼道) in three days. To avoid this fate, Ananda was instructed to make offerings to hundreds of thousands of hungry ghosts and Brahmin sages, providing each with a measure of food, and to make offerings to the Three Jewels (三寶, the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). The encounter prompted Ānanda to beg Śākyamuni Buddha for a way to avert his fate, at which point the Buddha revealed a ritual and dhāraṇī that he had been taught in a past life when he was a brahmin by the Bodhisattva Guanyin. According to the sūtra, the performance of the ritual would not only feed the hungry ghosts but would also ensure the longevity of the performing ritualist. Through the power of the dharani (a sacred mantra), the offered food was transformed into a spiritual offering. This offering was dedicated to the Three Jewels and equally distributed to hungry ghosts and other beings. This act could alleviate the suffering of the ghosts, enabling them to abandon their ghostly forms and be reborn in the heavenly realm. Following the Buddha's instructions, Ananda set up a tablet for Mianran Dashi (zh) (面燃大士; Miànrán Dàshì; 'Burning-Face Mahāsattva'), organized a vegetarian feast to offer to the monastic community, and prayed for blessings, thereby attaining liberation.^[5]

The encounter between Mianran Dashi and Ānanda is explained in several ways in Buddhist teachings. One interpretation is that he is an incarnation or avatar of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, which is why he is called Dashiye (大士爺; Dashiye; 'Master Mahāsattva'). Another explanation suggests that he was originally a leader of ghosts, who, after being enlightened by Guanyin, converted to Buddhism and became known as Dashiye, serving as a deity responsible for overseeing the rituals of the Ghost Festival (中元普渡).^[6]

The image of Mianran Dashi originates partly from the Lotus Sutra, where Guanyin is described as assuming the form of a ghost king to teach and guide beings in the realm of hungry ghosts. This transformation serves the purpose of Guanyin’s compassionate mission to liberate them. Additionally, it serves as a warning to people against greed and stinginess, as these qualities can lead one to develop the consciousness of a hungry ghost and ultimately become a follower of "Face-burning."^[6]