金光明經文句記 5.4

5.4

Second, from "East, Yellow" onward, identifies the persons. Dhṛtarāṣṭra ("Holding the Nation") protects and upholds the realm. Gandharva is translated here as "seeking fragrance"; they are spirits who perform mundane music for the Lord of the Devas. Pūtana is translated here as "foul"; they are the superior among hungry ghosts, or said to be ghosts that preside over feverish diseases. Virūḍhaka ("Increasing") causes the roots of goodness of oneself and others to increase. Kumbhāṇḍa is translated here as "pot-shaped", resembling a winter melon; they are spirits of bewitchment. Preta is translated here as "ancestor ghost", the most inferior among hungry ghosts. "Diverse languages" means they can make various kinds of speech. Piśāca is translated here as "spirit that eats essence", because they consume the essence of humans and the five grains; they are also called madness-inducing spirits. Vaiśravaṇa is translated here as "much-heard" (polymath), because the renown of his blessings and virtues is heard in the four directions. Yakṣa is translated here as "nimble and swift", because they fly through the air with swiftness. Rākṣasa is translated here as "fearful", and also named "violently evil".