法苑珠林 5.98

5.98

As the Ekottarika-āgama says: At that time, the World-Honoured One addressed the monks: "Among those who take bodily form, none is greater than the asura king. His body is eighty-four thousand yojanas in length and breadth, and his mouth is one thousand yojanas wide. When he wishes to assault the sun and moon, he transforms his body to double its size, sixteen thousand yojanas, and proceeds before the sun and moon. Seeing him, the sun and moon kings each harbour terror and are uneasy in their original stations. Because his form is terrifying, the sun and moon kings, in their fear, no longer emit their radiance. However, the asura does not dare come forward and seize the sun and moon. Why is this? The majesty and virtue of the sun and moon possess great spiritual power; their lifespans are exceedingly long, their complexions and appearance are well-favoured and upright, they enjoy endless bliss, and their lifespan endures for a kalpa. Furthermore, it is due to the merits and blessings of the sentient beings in this realm that the sun and moon are not molested or troubled by the sight of the asura. The asura then harbours grief and sorrow, and vanishes right there."