妙法蓮華經文句 2.112

2.112

「四大天王」者，帝釋外臣，如武將也，居四寶山，高半須彌，廣二十四萬里。東提頭賴吒，此云持國，亦言安民，居黃金山，領二鬼：揵闥婆、富單那。南毘留勒叉，此云增長，亦云免離，居瑠璃山，領二鬼：薜荔多、鳩槃茶。西毘留博叉，此云非好報，亦云惡眼，亦云雜語，居白銀山，領二鬼：毒龍、毘舍闍。北毘沙門，此云種種聞，亦云多聞，居水精山，領二鬼：羅剎、夜叉。各領二鬼不令惱人，故稱護世。

The "Four Great Heavenly Kings" are outer ministers to Śakra, like military generals. They reside on the Four Jewel Mountains, half the height of Sumeru, and twenty-four myriad li in breadth. In the east is Dhṛtarāṣṭra, translated here as "Upholding the Country", also called "Pacifying the People", who resides on the Mountain of Yellow Gold and commands two classes of spirits: gandharvas and pūtanas. In the south is Virūḍhaka, translated here as "Increasing Growth", also called "Deliverance", who resides on the Mountain of Vaidūrya and commands two classes of spirits: pretas and kumbhāṇḍas. In the west is Virūpākṣa, translated here as "Unfavourable Retribution", also called "Evil Eyes", and also called "Mixed Speech", who resides on the Mountain of White Silver and commands two classes of spirits: venomous nāgas and piśācas. In the north is Vaiśravaṇa, translated here as "Various Hearing", also called "Much Hearing", who resides on the Mountain of Crystal and commands two classes of spirits: rākṣasas and yakṣas. Each commands two classes of spirits so that they do not harass people; hence they are called "World Protectors".