翻譯名義集 2.4

2.4

First, devas; second, nāgas; third, yakṣas; fourth, gandharvas; fifth, asuras; sixth, garuḍas; seventh, kiṃnaras; eighth, mahoragas. In origin, when the Buddha bestows transformation, his Way rescues the myriad spirits; when the Dharma is transmitted to the world, his compassion nurtures all beings. When going out, Śakra devānām indra leads the way before him; when entering, Brahmā-rāja follows behind. The Great Generals aiding on the left achieve merit by extinguishing evil; the Vajra-wielders assisting on the right manifest virtue by engendering good. Since the worthy and holy ones of the three vehicles have respectfully taken refuge, the ghosts and spirits of the eight classes stand in dense array to guard and protect. Now, in this compilation, it is fitting that they be recorded.