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CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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— 394 —<br />

AETICLE XVIII.<br />

THE 4 GREAT HEAVENLY KINGS.<br />

Sze-ta t'ien-wang ^ ^ J.<br />

Buddhism borrowed largely from Brahmanism, and admitted<br />

into its Pantheon various Hindu gods, genii,<br />

beings (1 . Among<br />

and other fabulous<br />

the latter are the Four Great Heavenly Kings,<br />

S:e-ta t'ien-wang (53 ^ ^ 3£, also known as the Four Great<br />

Diamond Kings, Sze-ta kin-hang ^ ^ pfj. These fanciful beings<br />

are mentioned in the earliest Buddhist writings, as visiting Guatama,<br />

when he was still in the Tushita heavens (2), awaiting the time to<br />

manifest himself on earth as a Manuclii-Buddha (3).<br />

They assisted<br />

at his birth, and received him reverently on the skin <strong>of</strong> a spotted<br />

tiger. They held the ho<strong>of</strong>s <strong>of</strong> his horse, when he left his palace to<br />

undertake a life <strong>of</strong> penance. After his fasting and meditation under<br />

the Bodhi-tree, they <strong>of</strong>fered him four bowls <strong>of</strong> food (4). They were<br />

also present at his Parinirvana, and in fact seem to have assisted at<br />

every important event <strong>of</strong> his life (5).<br />

I. Buddhist account <strong>of</strong> origins and evolution.<br />

1°. Origin and functions. — These heavenly beings are four<br />

demon-kings, who have been converted, and are assigned the<br />

(1) Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 205-206; 219-221. — Chinese Super-<br />

stitions. Vol. VI. p. 89. note 1.<br />

(2) Tushita heavens, or place <strong>of</strong> perfectly contented beings. This sacred<br />

region is the home <strong>of</strong> all the Bodhisattvas, destined to become Buddhas.<br />

Guatama once dwelt there, and Maitreya now presides over it. Monier Wil-<br />

liams. Buddhism, p. 208.<br />

(3) Manuchi Buddha, i.e. as a Buddha in human form. Chinese Super-<br />

stitions. Vol. VI. p. 122.<br />

(4) Buddha caused them to unite in one, lest there should be vanity or<br />

jealousy on the part <strong>of</strong> each donor. Buddhist Art in India, by Gninwedel and<br />

Burgess, p. 146 (A Gandhara sculpture in Lahore Museum).<br />

(5) Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 453.— Getty. The Gods <strong>of</strong> Northern<br />

Buddhism, p. 148 (The 4 Lokapalas).

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