Domain Expansion, also known as "Ryoiki Tenkai" in Japanese, is an advanced barrier technique introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen. To activate a Domain Expansion, the user has to initiate it using a signal or a signature hand sign, so what do the Domain Expansion hand signs mean in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Before we talk about the hand signs, let’s first find out more about Domain Expansion.
What Is a Domain Expansion?
Satoru Gojo explains Domain Expansion as an environment created with cursed energy and manifested using a cursed technique.
Constructing this barrier requires a ton of cursed energy and can make or break the user's fate during a battle.
Another advantage of using Domain Expansion is that it can elevate the user’s stats due to the environment.
The cursed technique launched inside the domain will always hit the opponent. However, someone can counter the opponent’s Domain Expansion by expanding their own.
When several Domain Expansions are expanded at the same time, the better and more elaborate one will overpower the simpler one.
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What Is the Meaning of the Hand Signs For Domain Expansion?
In order to launch a Domain Expansion, a Jujutsu sorcerer has to perform a particular hand sign.
Interestingly, the hand signs used by the sorcerers to activate their Domain Expansion are likely based on Buddhism and Hinduism.
The hand sign before the execution of a Domain Expansion is called "shirushi" in Japanese and "mudra" in Sanskrit.
Normally, these signs are performed while chanting the mantra for a particular bodhisattva in Buddhism.
In the Jujustu Kaisen verse, the sorcerers use it for an entirely different purpose.
Satoru Gojo
Gojo’s Domain Expansion is called the Infinite Void and the unique hand sign is called Taishakutan or Sakra.
Taishakuten is shown as a pair with Brahma (or Bonten). Taishakuten is believed to govern 32 gods in heaven and is served by Four Heavenly Kings.
Sakra originated from Indra, a Hindu deity who leads other Devas (Gods) in Swargaloka (heaven).
Related: Is Satoru Gojo Still Sealed in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Sukuna
Sukuna's Domain Expansion, Malevolent Shrine, is activated using a hand sign associated with Yama (Yamraja) or Enmaten.
Enmaten is one of 12 Devas and is considered a protector god who defends the southern direction. He is also called the King of Hell.
Enmaten or Yama passes judgment on the souls of people who passed. He is the one who decides whether the soul will be in heaven or hell based on the person’s doings as a mortal being.
Sukuna’s Domain Expansion lives up to the hand sign as it looks like a disfigured shrine.
Mahito
Mahito’s Domain Expansion is called Self-Embodiment of Perfection and the hand sign is connected with Kokuuzou Bosatsu (Akasagharba Bodhisattva) and Gigeiten.
Kokuuzou Bosatsu is revered for knowledge, wisdom, and memory. He is one of the eight bodhisattvas.
Meanwhile, Gigeiten is a celestial being who looks over arts and good fortune. She is believed to have birthed from the hair of Maheshvara and is a master of several art forms.
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Jogo
The Coffin of Iron Mountain is Jogo’s Domain Expansion, and it traps his opponent inside a massive burning volcano.
This molten Domain Expansion is launched using a hand sign connected with Daikokuten, which is also known as Mahakala.
Daikokuten originated from the deity named Shiva from Hinduism. Shiva is also the ultimate destroyer.
In Japan, Daikokuten is one of the seven lucky gods and is often associated with wealth and food.
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Megumi Fushiguro
Fushiguro’s Domain Expansion is Chimera Shadow Garden and his hand sign for activation is linked with Bhaisajyaguru or Yakushi Nyorai.
Also known as Medicine Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai is renowned for his 12 vows to attain enlightenment. Yakushi Nyorai always believed in erasing the sufferings of common mortals.
The 12 Heavenly Generals are known to be his followers and one of them is Mahoraga.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, one of the shikigami is called Mahoraga too.
Read More: Jujutsu Kaisen: Every Shikigami of Megumi Fushiguro in Season 1 Explained
Ryu Ishigori
Ishigori's Domain Expansion remains unknown, but the hand sign hints at its association with Mahamayuri or Kujaku Myo-ou.
Mahamayuri, which literally translates to Great Peacock, is a female bodhisattva. She is the protector of her followers from disasters, pain, and suffering.
The peacock consumes poisonous snakes, and Mahamayuri has the ability to protect people from physical and spiritual poisoning.
Yuta Okkotsu
Like Ishigori, Okkotsu’s Domain Expansion remains unknown. However, his hand gesture to activate the barrier is linked with Dakini.
Dakini is a female demon also called Yakshini in Hinduism. Dakini’s portrayal varies in different beliefs. In Hinduism, it is similar to that of Kali.
In Japan, Dakini is called Dakiniten, who later amalgamated with Inari, the goddess of agriculture. She is represented by a celestial maiden on a white fox.
Hakari Kinji
Kinji has a pretty complex Domain Expansion named Idle Death Gamble. The hand sign to launch Idle Death Gamble is associated with Saraswati or Benzaiten.
Saraswati is the goddess of art, music, wisdom, knowledge, and nature. She is at the forefront of wisdom and consciousness.
Meanwhile, Benzaiten is known in Japan as a protector god with eight hands wielding weapons like a sword, bow, ax, iron wheel, long pestle, rope, spear, and arrow.
Related: Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Better than the Anime?
Dagon
Dagon’s Domain Expansion is known as the Horizon of the Captivating Skandha. His Domain Expansion is a beach zone that allows him to control water and several shikigami that look like fish.
The hand sign used to initiate Dagon's Domain Expansion is a golden pouch that symbolizes wealth.
Fans believe that mangaka Gege Akutami is a genius who created the Jujutsu verse by drawing inspiration from Buddhism and Hinduism.
What do you think about the hand signs and their significance in Jujutsu Kaisen?
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