1.
divine favor; blessing; benefit granted by a god or Buddha
The help or good fortune believed to be granted by a deity or Buddha in answer to prayer or devotion, such as success in exams, safe childbirth or prosperous business. Also used jokingly of any benefit something seems to bring.
Writing
Also written ご利益. The reading りやく, not りえき, marks the religious sense; 利益 is ordinary profit.
Common collocations
- 御利益がある: to bring blessings, to work
- 御利益を授かる: to receive divine favor
- 商売繁盛の御利益: blessing of prosperous business
Cultural note
Shrines and temples are known for particular 御利益: 天満宮 shrines for learning, others for matchmaking, safe childbirth or traffic safety. Visitors choose where to pray, and which amulet to buy, accordingly.