CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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guardianship of the four sides of Mount Mem against Asuras, and
other noxious influences, hence they are called Lokapalas, i.e.
protectors, or tutelary deities (1). In the centre of the Buddhist
world-system, stands the vast mass of the fabulous Mount Meru.
On the upper portion of this system, and above the eight chief hells,
and the worlds of animals, ghosts, demons and men,
is situated the
lowest heaven of the gods (2).. Here abide the Four Maharajas, or
warrior champions, who guard this heavenly
world from the attacks
of Asuras, ever engaged in assailing the gods from their world
below. Other legends extend the protection of these Lokapalas to
the Four Continents, which surround Mount Meru towards the 4
points of the compass (3).
In a later phase of evolution, especially in China and Japan,
they are considered as presiding over the 4 quarters of the universe,
and the 4 seasons (4). As elemental genii, they are said to be
surrounded by 30 generals, and to have each 90 sons (5). They
thus symbolize the ancient division of the year into 12 months of
30 days each, with each season comprising 3 months, or 90 days (6).
They also afford protection to individuals, households, and
kingdoms, that have adopted the Buddhist Law. In this latter
(1)
Eitel. Sanscrit-Chinese Dictionary, p. 145 (The 4 Maharajas). — Edkins.
Chinese Buddhism, p. 216. — Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 206. — Johnston.
Buddhist China, p. 367-368.
(2) Above this lowest heaven is the Trayctstrinsa, or heaven of Indra,
the Vedic god of the atmosphere, and highly popular among Buddhists.
Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 207. — Chinese Superstitions. Vol. VII. p. 327.
note 3.
(3) Edkins. Chinese Buddhism, p. 216, and 239.
(4) The Chinese look upon them as symbolizing
the four seasons.
Getty. The Gods of Northern Buddhism, p. 149. — Hackmann. Buddhism as a
Religion, p. 163.
(5) Beal. A Catena of Buddhist Scriptures from the Chinese, p. 73. —
Johnston. Buddhist China, p. 369.
(6)
The Brahmanical year was divided into 12 months, of 30 days each.
Though it was not astronomically exact, it was probably of greater antiquity
than either the lunar or the solar year. Johnston. Buddhist China, p. 369.
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