續一切經音義 3.144

3.144

Gandhāra (乾陁羅: the first character is pronounced qian [䖍]. Formerly written 健䭾羅. Translated here as 'Earth Holder' [持地]. Anciently, this country had many sages who attained the Way residing in and upholding its realm so that other nations could not harm it. It is also said to mean 'fragrance patrol' [香氣邏], referring to this country producing many fragrant flowers throughout its territory, from which it was named. The country lies north of Central India and south of Northern India).