Name Meaning
Gaki (餓鬼) refers to “hungry ghosts” in Buddhist teachings. These are spirits cursed by karma to experience eternal hunger, often portrayed as suffering souls with exaggerated features.
- Gaki = "Starving demon" or "hungry ghost" in Japanese
Origin
- Comes from Buddhist cosmology, where Gaki inhabit one of the six realms of existence.
- Gaki are believed to be the result of intense greed or jealousy in a previous life.
- They are often mentioned in religious rituals like Segaki to appease and release them.
Appearance
- Often depicted with bloated bellies and thin necks, symbolizing their suffering.
- May have long claws, hollow eyes, or monstrous faces.
- Sometimes shown surrounded by food they cannot consume.
Behavior & Myths
- Gaki are driven by overwhelming cravings, often for food, water, or specific substances.
- They may dwell in graveyards, ruins, or shadowy places, invisible to most humans.
- Legends speak of Gaki tormenting the living or appearing during specific Buddhist ceremonies.
Symbolism
- Symbolize unchecked greed, desire, and karmic punishment.
- Represent the spiritual consequences of selfishness and vice.
- Act as cautionary figures in Buddhist teachings to encourage compassion and moderation.
