妙法蓮華經文句 2.112

2.112

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".