In Japan, the Niō guardian figures are named Misshaku Kongō 密遮金剛 (aka Agyō 阿形) and Naraen Kongō 那羅延金剛 (aka Ungyō 吽形). They represent the use of overt power and latent power, respectively. Naraen is also called Narayana (Sanskrit). Conceived as a pair, the Niō complement each other. Misshaku represents overt power, baring his teeth and raising his fist in action, the open mouth represents "AH" the primordial sound. Naraen symbolizing latent might, holding his mouth tightly closed and waiting with both arms tensed but lowered, the closed mouth represents the primordial sound "OM"

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- nice site on cultural pluralism