妙法蓮華經玄贊 2.50

2.50

The commentary: This is the retinue of the Four Heavenly Kings. The three luminaries are subsumed under the heaven of the Four Kings; there is no separate heaven. In a sūtra: Avalokiteśvara, named Jewel Intention, acts as Devaputra Sun (Sūrya), who is this Precious Radiance; Mahāsthāmaprāpta, named Jewel Auspiciousness, acts as Devaputra Moon (Candra), who is this Famous Moon; Ākāśagarbha, named Jewel Radiance, acts as Devaputra Star, here named Universal Fragrance. The sun palace is made of fire crystal, fifty-one yojanas in diameter. The moon palace is made of water crystal, fifty yojanas in diameter. The stars are also made of water crystal, the largest being eighteen krośas down to the smallest being four krośas, one krośa being more than three li; these all circle around the four continents in the sky. The Four Great Heavenly Kings: Dhṛtarāṣṭra in the east, Virūḍhaka in the south, Virūpākṣa in the west, Vaiśravaṇa in the north. They dwell halfway up Mount Meru at the fourth tier, and also dwell atop the seven golden mountains. The elevation of the three luminaries and the Four Kings above the ground is forty thousand yojanas; their lifespan and physical appearance are as explained elsewhere.