The twenty-four heavens of Buddhism refer to the Buddhist gods who protect the Dharma, and can also be called "the gods and ghosts". Since ancient times, there have been sixteen heavenly statues, each with its own owner, for its role in protecting Buddhism. Later, the sun god, the moon god, the dragon king of Saji and the king of Yama were added. Because the sun can break the darkness, the moon can illuminate the night, the dragon is the secret treasure, and Yama controls the underworld, so these four are added to make twenty days. Later, King Kinnara of the "Eight Dragons" and the Taoist gods Ziwei, Dongyue, and Thunder were added to it, eventually forming twenty-four days. Most of the gods and gods in Buddhism originate from Indian Brahmanism and Indian folk gods. Buddhism is a religious sect that rivals Brahmanism. Early Buddhism opposed the supremacy of caste, sacrifice and gods in Brahmanism. But Buddhism does not deny the existence of gods. It regards gods as an integral part of all sentient beings. Some Vedic gods and Brahmanical gods were also absorbed into Buddhism and became the protectors of Buddhism. For example, Brahma and Shakti were originally great gods believed in by Brahmanism; Sun and Moon were the sun and moon gods in Indian mythology; Mahavatar was originally a great god worshiped by pagans in ancient India; Yaksha and Guizimu were gods worshiped by ancient Indians. The man-eating ghost and female devil in folklore, King Yama (King Yama) was originally the lord of hell in Indian mythology and legends. After Buddhism spread in China, the ghosts and gods of the heavens merged with Chinese folk ghosts and gods. For example, Guan Gong became the Buddhist protector Jialan, and Bao Qingtian and Han Qinhu became the kings of Yama, which made the team of protectors stronger. The twenty heavens in the main halls of major temples are dressed up as ancient Chinese emperors, generals, ministers and concubines, and they have been sinicized. To this day, Buddhist temples hold Buddhist worship services on the ninth day of the first lunar month every year. The so-called "Zhaitian for worshiping Buddha" is abbreviated as Zhaitian, and it is commonly known as worshiping Tiangong among the people. The Qing Dynasty's "Hongzan's Collection of Rituals for Offering to the Heavens" says: "The original method of worshiping the heavens comes from the "Golden Light Sutra", and during repentance, offerings are made to the three treasures and the heavens." Although Buddhists do not take refuge in the heavens, they still pay respect. Heavens, this is because the heavens return to the Buddha, practice the righteous Dharma, practice good deeds, and refrain from evil deeds. According to the records of the Golden Guangming Sutra, all the gods in the Golden Guangming Assembly aroused bodhicitta one by one in front of the Buddha, personally inherited the Tathagata's teachings, and always protected and protected those who accepted, upheld, read, recited, and wrote the "Golden Guangming Sutra". Because the gods uphold the instructions of the Dharma King and patrol the world, support the virtuous with compassion, reward the good and punish the evil, the people of the world build this Dharma assembly for the Buddha to fast in heaven, recite sutras, repent, and provide pure food to make offerings to the ten directions. The Three Jewels, the protecting gods and their followers. In order to show the highest sincerity and respect, the mandala should have seats for the Three Jewels, the gods and their attendants. The facilities should be extremely solemn and pure. The praising, singing and reciting of the Dharma assembly should be as formal as possible; tea, fruits, and vegetables should also be pure. Clean and fresh. The Buddhist services held at the beginning of the year such as offering Buddha fasting and fasting to heaven are imitated from India. The twenty-four heavens are usually enshrined on the east and west sides of the main hall. The order of their enshrinement is: the heaven of merit, the heaven of eloquence, the king of Brahma, the heaven of Emperor Shakti, the four heavenly kings (the king of the country in the east, the king of growth in the south, the king of wide eyes in the west, The King of the Northern Heavens), the Sun and the Moon, the Vajra Secret Hercules, the Mahasora, the General of Sanzhi, the Weituo, the God of the Firm Earth, the Bodhi Tree God, the Ghost Mother, the Malizhi, and the Sajara Dragon King, King Yama (the above twenty days come from the "Golden Light Sutra: Ghosts and Gods"), King Kinnara, Emperor Ziwei, Emperor Dongyue, and the God of Thunder. The twenty-four days were originally the gods enshrined in Buddhist temples when they offered sacrifices to heaven. They began to be enshrined in the Ming Dynasty. Now the twenty-four heavens are introduced in sequence as follows: 1. The Heaven of Merit and Virtue, also known as the Heaven of Auspiciousness, is a benevolent goddess. She was originally a Brahmin god, the daughter of Deshajia and Guizimu. She is also the sister of Bishamonten in the north (some say she is the concubine). Because of her close relationship with the God of Wealth, she was worshiped as the goddess of wealth. "Golden Light Sutra: Merit Heaven" says that if believers can recite and uphold this sutra, make offerings to the Buddhas, offer fragrant flowers and delicious food to the Auspicious Heaven, and recite her name, they will receive blessings such as wealth and treasures. "The Sutra of the Twelve Names of the Great Auspicious Goddess" also records that she has twelve names. If believers can uphold, read and recite these twelve names, and practice and make offerings according to the Dharma, they can eliminate poverty and karma and gain wealth. . According to the "Dharani Collection Sutra", her body is silver, wearing a flower crown on her head, celestial clothes, and a necklace hanging on her neck. She is jeweled and graceful. Holding the wish-fulfilling orb in the left hand, the right hand performs the fearless seal. On the left and right sides are Brahma and Sakyamuni respectively; behind the two gods there is a Qibao Mountain. Five-colored auspicious clouds appeared above her head, and there was a six-tusked white elephant in the clouds. The elephant's trunk twisted an agate bottle, and various treasures were poured out from the bottle, which was poured into a thousand-leaf treasure lid on top of her head. These are all related to the auspicious heaven's ability to control wealth and bless all living beings. The image of the God of Merit created by Chinese Buddhist temples was probably influenced by this record. Buddhism specifically uses her as the deity to perform rituals to ward off disasters and bring blessings. This kind of ritual is called the "Auspicious Repentance Dharma". 2. Eloquence Talent As the name suggests, Eloquence Talent is named for its intelligence and great eloquence. She can also sing beautiful songs, so she is also called "Miaoyintian" and "Miaoyintian". She is the goddess of wisdom, eloquence, music and merit. Benzaitian was originally a river god believed by Indians. Some people say she is a male god, but most people think she is a goddess and the sister of King Yama. She has no fixed abode and is often in the company of various wild beasts. Her clothes are extremely simple, but her image is very beautiful, her "face is like the full moon", "her eyes are like green lotus leaves", and she "often solemns herself with eight arms". These living habits and image characteristics have become an important basis for her image creation.

The "Golden Light Sutra" declares that anyone who preaches the "Golden Light Sutra" can receive her support, increase wisdom, have unimpeded eloquence, and can be liberated from life and death; it is also said that reciting this sutra can also make people become great musicians. Home. Japanese Esoteric Buddhism mainly worships its musical merits. There are two main images of Benzaitian: one is the image of an eight-armed Bodhisattva, with six arms holding objects on the side, holding fire wheels, swords, bows, arrows, axes, and ropes respectively. , jackals and other beasts. One is a seated image of a Bodhisattva, holding a pipa in the left hand and playing a harp with the right hand; some are also playing a harp. Obviously, the former image comes from records in Buddhist scriptures, while the latter image is shaped based on Benzaitian's musical characteristics. 3. King Brahma, also known as "Brahma", "Brahma King", etc., is the god of Brahmanism and is considered the "ancestor" of all things in the world. Brahma later became the protector of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is said that when the Buddha was born in Tusita Heaven, Brahma held a white whisk in his hand and guided him in front of the Buddha. After the Buddha became enlightened, he gave away his palace and asked the Buddha to preach. "The Great Compassion Sutra" records that when the Buddha was about to die, the important task of protecting the Buddha's Dharma was entrusted to him. Great Brahma lives in the form realm and is the master of the first jhāna of the form realm. Together with the Brahma Auxiliary Heaven and the Brahma Heavens, they are collectively called the three days of the first jhāna of the form realm. The more common image of Brahma is four-sided and four-armed, with three eyes on each side; all four arms hold objects, the right hand holds a lotus and a rosary in each hand, the left hand holds a pure vase in one hand, and the other hand performs the Om seal; sitting on a lotus flower The mount is a goose or a cart pulled by seven geese. In addition, Brahma also has the image of one face with two arms and three faces with two arms. In Chinese temples, Brahma is often enshrined in the Mahavira Hall together with all gods; there is also an image in which he and Emperor Sakyamuni serve Sakyamuni Buddha together. 4. Emperor Shitian: Emperor Shitian was originally a god of Brahmanism, transliterated as "Shiti Huanyin", "Indra", etc. "The Great Wisdom" records that he was originally a Brahmin from the Kingdom of Magadha, with a philanthropic nature. He had thirty-two close friends who practiced meritorious deeds with him and were reborn together in the Trayastrim Palace after death. There are thirty-three palaces in the Trayastrim Heaven, so it is also called the Thirty-three Heavens. Emperor Sakyamuni lived in Shanjian City (also known as Xijian City) in the center of the Trayastrim Heaven. There were eight heavenly palaces on each side of him, where thirty-two of his close friends lived as assistant ministers. Books such as "Jingming Shu" say that after Kassapa Buddha passed away, a woman decided to build a stupa for the Buddha, and 32 other people helped her. Later, with this merit, they were born together in the Trayasa Palace, and that woman was Sakyamuni. Emperor Sakyamuni often made offerings to the Buddha and the monks with various items. The image of Emperor Shakti is revealed in different ways. In Han temples, most statues of Emperor Shakti are represented as young emperors, with male bodies and female faces. There are usually three goddesses behind him, who are said to be his three wives: Yuansheng, Shanfa, and Sheyou. Among them, one is holding an umbrella for Emperor Sakyamuni; one is holding a tray with lotus flowers inside; the other is holding a rock bonsai, which means Mount Sumeru. Fahai Temple in Shijingshan District, Beijing, contains murals from the Ming Dynasty, including a statue of Emperor Shakti. 5----8. The Four Heavenly Kings The four heavenly kings are commonly known as the "Four King Kongs" and are enshrined in the Palace of Heavenly Kings. Buddhism draws on ancient Indian myths and legends and various sayings about "heaven" in ancient Hinduism to propose the theory of "three realms". The realm of desire is the lowest among the three realms. There are six levels of heaven in this realm, namely the "Six Desire Heaven". The first level is called the "Four Heavens of Kings", which is the closest to the human world. This is the residence of the four heavenly kings. Buddhist scriptures say that the Four Heavenly Kings are located on the mountainside of the famous Mount Sumeru, where a Gandhara Mountain stands. This mountain has four peaks, called the Sotuo Four Treasures Mountain, and is 3.36 million miles high. The task of the Four Heavenly Kings is to protect one side of the world, namely Dongsheng Shenzhou, Nanfangbuzhou (China is located on this continent), Xiniuhezhou and Beijuluzhou in the four directions of Mount Sumeru in Buddhism. Therefore, the four heavenly kings are also called the "four heavenly kings who protect the world". Each of the Four Heavenly Kings has ninety-one sons, who assist the Four Heavenly Kings in guarding the ten directions of space, namely east, west, south, north, southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest, as well as up and down. Each of the four heavenly kings has eight generals who help manage the mountains, rivers, forests, and local gods. The first among the generals was Wei Tuo, who specialized in protecting monks and was therefore highly respected by monks and nuns.

The names and images of the four heavenly kings are: The eastern king of the state of Dharma, named Taoluozha, is white, wears armor, and holds a pipa. "Torozha" is the transliteration of Sanskrit, and the free translation is "holding the country". "Zhiguo" means to be compassionate and protect all living beings. He is the main music god, so he holds a pipa, indicating that he wants to use music to convert all living beings to Buddhism.

The Southern King of Growth, whose name is Bi Liuli, has a blue body, wears armor, and holds a sword in his hand. "Piliuri" is the transliteration of Sanskrit, meaning "growth". "Growth" can enable all living beings to grow their good roots and protect the Buddha's teachings. He protects the Dharma with a sword in his hand.

The Western King of Wide Eyes, named Viryu Bocha, is white in color, wears armor, and has a dragon wrapped around his hand. "Biliu Bosha" is the transliteration of Sanskrit, and the free translation is "Guangmu". "Guangmu" means being able to observe the world at any time with pure eyes and protect the people. He is the leader of the group of dragons, so he has a dragon (sometimes a red rope) wrapped around his hand. When he sees someone who does not believe in Buddhism, he will use the rope to catch someone and make him convert to Buddhism.

The king of the North, whose name is Bishamon, is green and wears armor. He holds a precious umbrella in his right hand and a sacred rat, the silver rat, in his left hand. "Bishamon" is the transliteration of Sanskrit, and the free translation is "many hearings". "Much news" refers to the reputation of merit being spread all over the world. He holds a precious umbrella to subdue the demons and protect the people's wealth. Duowen Tianwang was originally a god in ancient Hinduism, also known as Shi Caitian. In ancient Indian mythology, he is not only the patron saint of the north, but also the god of wealth. He is a great "god of wealth", so he has the most followers among the four kings.

The portrait of Bishamon in the Dunhuang murals often scattered money and treasures when he was patrolling across the sea.

In Chinese temples, the images of the four heavenly kings have been completely Chineseized, and they are all dressed up as ancient Chinese military commanders. As long as there is a temple, there must be statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. They were all placed in the Hall of Heavenly Kings. In the center of the hall was the big-bellied Maitreya Buddha (Budai Monk), with the four heavenly kings on both sides. Most of the statues of Heavenly Kings are majestic, among which the four statues of Heavenly Kings in Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou are the most exquisite. Their shapes are graceful, expressive and breathtaking. 9. Ritian: Also known as the Son of Sun, the Son of Baoyi, the Son of Baoguang, etc. Ritian was originally the sun god in Indian mythology. Buddhism said that he was the transformed incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva. He lives in the sun, and in the sun is his palace, called the Sun Palace. He circulates throughout the year in the center of Mount Sumeru, illuminating the four heavens and the four continents. He corresponds to the moon and sky, which guard the night, and is also governed by the Four Heavenly Kings. He is often accompanied by two concubines. The second concubine rode in a majestic Qibao chariot, pulled by eight BMWs, and was surrounded by seven stars, nine stars and other stars. Molizhi Tian was his forerunner. At the end of the volume of "Secret Records", his image is as follows: red face, holding a lotus in each hand, riding on a cart drawn by four horses. 10. Moon Sky Moon Sky, also known as the Moon Palace Emperor, was originally the moon god worshiped in ancient India. Buddhist scriptures say that he is the incarnation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. "Mahasthamaprapta" means Baojixiang. Since Yuetian is the incarnation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, it is also called Baojixiangtian. Yuetian lives in the Moon Palace, and he is accompanied by many beautiful goddesses. It is said that he has a life span of 500 years. Regarding the image of the moon and sky, there are different legends in India and China. He is the male figure in India. After Buddhism was introduced to China, because Chinese culture also worshiped the moon god, and the Chinese moon god was regarded as feminine by Onmyozoology, the Indian moon god became feminine under the influence of the Chinese moon god belief, and also absorbed the Chinese moon god. Characteristics of the moon god. Her image is usually as follows: a beautiful concubine, with a full moon embedded in the crown, and the moon appears in the shape of a rabbit. However, the moon and sky enshrined in Tantric Buddhism are still Indian-style. The "Golden Light Sutra" records that he is the great king of ghosts and gods, and he and the five hundred yakshas were originally great bodhisattvas. In order to protect all living beings and protect the Dharma, they deigned to become the protectors of Buddhism. He moves very quickly and is known as "quick" among Buddhist protector gods. He always stayed by the Buddha's side and gained the Buddha's trust. The Buddha often entrusted him with all secret and important matters. Buddhist temples often enshrine him in the Shanmen Hall of the temple. Its image is rather special, usually with a red face, full of anger, bulging muscles all over the body, strong and strong, and always holding a vajra in its hand. Before the Ming Dynasty, Buddhist temples only worshiped one Vajra. After the publication of "Feng Shen Yan Yi" in the Ming Dynasty, the fictional "Two Generals Heng Ha" in the book replaced the Mysterious King Kong. 12. Moxisu Luo Tian Mo Xiu Luo Tian, ??also known as Mahavatar, is the main god worshiped by Hinduism. Buddhism recognized Empress Mojisura and worshiped him as the Bodhisattva of the Ten Grounds, so his statue is also the image of a Bodhisattva. Wearing a crown on his head and a Bodhisattva costume, he rides a white bull, has eight arms and three eyes, and holds a whisk, bell, pestle and ruler in his hands. The white cow is often omitted from the standing statues. There are also various images with two arms, four arms, and eighteen arms. The God of Freedom is mainly worshiped by Tantric Buddhism, and Tantric Buddhism regards him as the incarnation of the Great Sun Tathagata. His various images also mainly appear in Tantric temples. 13. General Sanzhi, also known as the "Secret God". He was originally the Yaksha god in Indian Brahmanism and one of the eight great generals under Bishamonten in the north. He leads twenty-eight tribes of heavenly beings and often patrols the world, rewarding good and punishing evil. Some people say that he is the second son of Guizi Mu, but most people think that he is Gui Zimu's husband. His image is like a King Kong, with a red face and an angry face, holding a demon-conquering pestle. Most people are accustomed to regard him and the white-faced and good-looking Vajra Secret Master as the two generals of Heng and Ha. 14. Wei Tuo Tian Wei Tuo is also called Wei Kun, Wei Tuo Tian, ??Wei Tuo Bodhisattva, and General Wei Tian. Wei Tuo was originally a god believed in by Brahmanism in ancient India. He was called the Six-faced Boy. He was originally the god of war. He had six heads and twelve arms, held a bow and arrow, and rode a peacock. He was later absorbed by Mahayana Buddhism as a protector. The statue of Wei Tuo is often enshrined opposite the Main Hall and on the back of Maitreya in the Heavenly King Hall. This is related to his great achievements in capturing thieves and protecting Buddha. Wei Tuo is the "divine walking guardian" in the Buddhist kingdom, and he is famous for his ability to walk as fast as he flies. According to Buddhist legend, when the Tathagata was in Nirvana, a "quick ghost" stole two of the Buddha's teeth. Wei Tuo chased after the thief and took back the Buddha's teeth. Therefore, Wei Tuo took on the important task of protecting the Sakyamuni Pagoda and fighting off the enemies who stole the Buddha's bones. Wei Tuo stands like a statue on the back of the mountain gate, holding a vajra and squinting his eyebrows, watching vigilantly at the square tower in front of the ancestral hall (Main Hall), which is meant to protect the Sakyamuni Pagoda. Wei Tuo was created by Chinese Buddhists, so he is dressed as an authentic Chinese military commander. Wei Tuo has a handsome face, a golden helmet and golden armor, and holds a vajra in his hand. He is majestic and looks quite like famous ancient military generals such as Zhao Yun and Ma Chao. There are generally two postures: one is to put the hands together (the etiquette performed by monks), put the pestle on the wrists, and stand upright; the other is to hold the pestle on the ground with one hand and place the other hand on the waist. At the beginning of Buddhist scriptures, there are usually images of Buddha or pictures of Buddha teaching, while at the end of volumes, images of Wei Tuo are often engraved. 15. The Firm Earth God, also known as the Earth God or the Earth God, is the God in charge of the land and all plants, corresponding to the Brahma God in charge of heaven. The image of the Earth God is very unique. In the Tang Dynasty, he was a male god with two arms and four arms. The image of the two arms is holding a vase or a bowl with various flowers inside; the image of the four arms is holding four farming tools: sickle, arrow, hoe and spade respectively.

Later, the earth god evolved from a male body to a female body, and often appeared with two arms, and flowers, ears of grain and other items were added to the objects held in the hands. 16. Bodhi Tree God Bodhi Tree God is the goddess who protects the Bodhi tree. According to legend, when Sakyamuni Buddha was meditating under the Bodhi tree, the Bodhi tree god used the leaves to shield Sakyamuni Buddha from wind and rain, protecting him from the wind and rain, hence the name. She is considered the earliest protector of Buddhism. In Buddhist temples, her image is characterized by holding a branch in both hands and dressed like a young woman. The original name of the bodhi tree is the Bibhara tree. This tree is an evergreen tree with oval leaves and yellow-white stems. The flowers are hidden in the receptacle and the tree seeds can be used as prayer beads. Because it is a sacred tree in Buddhism, believers in Southeast Asian Buddhist countries often burn incense and scatter flowers, and worship around the tree, which has become a custom. 17. The Ghost Mother The Ghost Mother is said to be the mother of the five hundred Yaksha ghosts, so she is commonly known as the "Ghost Mother". She was originally an evil deity in ancient Indian folklore. She married General Sanzhi and gave birth to five hundred little yakshas, ??who specialized in feeding on children and harming all living beings. Later, she was inspired by Sakyamuni Buddha and became the protector of Buddhism. After Guizimu converted to Buddhism, she focused on the protection of women and children. According to Buddhist scriptures, she can protect the healthy growth of children, eliminate illnesses and eliminate disasters for children; she can protect women from smooth childbirth and reduce pain. From this, the Guizi mother was revered as the "loving son mother" or the "loving son god". After the Devil's Mother was introduced to China, in addition to being worshiped by Buddhists as a protector, she was also worshiped and worshiped alone as the "Mother of the Sons" by the people. The Ghost Mother is also worshiped in Tibetan Buddhism. In Tantric Buddhism, there is a special practice that takes the devil's mother as the deity, called the "Hari Emperor Mother Method" and "Hari Emperor Mother Puja". It is a practice method to pray for women to give birth smoothly. When practicing the Dharma, recite the Hari Emperor's Mother Sutra and the Hari Emperor's Mother Mantra Sutra. "The Mantra Sutra of Hari Emperor's Mother" records her image: "Draw the image of Hari Emperor's Mother as a goddess, pure gold, dressed in heavenly clothes, with a crown on her head, sitting on a high platform, with her two feet hanging down. Next to her hanging feet, draw two The child stands on a high platform, with one child sitting on each knee, holding a child in his left hand, and holding an auspicious fruit in his right hand." 18. Malizhi Tian is a god in ancient Indian myths and legends. It means "yang flame" or "light flame". Mainly taught by Tantric Buddhism. According to legend, she has great supernatural powers and often walks in front of Ritian (the sun god). Ritian cannot see her, but she can see Ritian. She has her own special method. According to Buddhist scriptures, practicing the Mori Support Method or reciting the "Ma Li Support Sutra" can obtain incredible blessings. According to the "Ma???hāra Bodhisattva Sutra", this heaven "can make living beings invisible in the road, invisible in the crowd, and invisible in all kinds of difficulties such as water, fire, and thieves." Beings who acquire this invisibility technique can subdue demons and ghosts. There are two main images of Malizhitian: one is the image of a goddess: sitting or standing on a lotus, holding a fan in her left hand and placing it on her chest, with her right hand hanging down. One is an wrathful image: a face as red as the sunrise, wearing a red heavenly garment, red represents anger; hanging a necklace, earrings, bracelets, and a belt around the waist; on top of the head is a pagoda with a pagoda inside. Vairocana Buddha has three faces and eight arms, and the three faces have different appearances: the front is a Bodhisattva face, dignified and kind; the left face is a pig face, with a sharp mouth and fangs; the right face is a boy's face, with a handsome face. Each side has three eyes. The eight arms hold objects, the four on the left hold branches, ropes, bows, and coils; the four on the right hold vajra, needles, hooks, and arrows. Eight arms are sometimes referred to as six arms. She sat on a wild boar, or on a cart drawn by seven wild boars. This god has great influence in Tibetan Buddhism. 19. The Dragon King of Sajira, also known as Shuitian, was originally an Indian Brahman god who was in charge of the water realm. As the protector of Buddhism, it serves as the guardian of the West and also rules over the water realm. It is mainly believed in Tantra. Tantric Buddhism also has rituals dedicated to offering water and heaven, which are called "Water and Heaven Dharma" and "Water and Heaven Offering". Its common image is: green body, riding on the back of a turtle, with nine heads, all in the shape of a dragon, holding a fist in the left hand and a rope in the right hand. Another theory is that Shuitian is the dragon king of Sajiluo, the great dragon king among the Buddhist dragon gods. This Dragon King also has a daughter named Dragon Girl. The common image of the Dragon King of Sajiluo is that his head appears in the shape of a dragon and he is dressed in imperial clothes. 20. King Yama King Yama is also called King Yama, King Yama, Yama, Twin Kings, etc. King Yama was originally the lord in charge of hell in Indian mythology and legend. According to the "Rigveda", he also had a sister named Yama. The brother and sister married and became the ancestor of mankind. So he later went to hell to manage the souls of his descendants. After the emergence of Buddhism, he was incorporated into his own god system. After King Yama was introduced to China, the "King of Yama" with Chinese cultural characteristics was produced. Yama was originally a single entity in Indian Buddhism. After the integration with Chinese folk beliefs and Taoist beliefs, the "Thirteen Yamas" and the "Ten Halls of Yamas" were formed, and the term "Ten Yamas" is usually more popular. Many historical figures in China also joined the ranks of the King of Hell and became authentic Chinese King of Hell, such as Fan Zhongyan. 21. King Kinnara Kinnara is one of the "Eight Dragons". He has horns on his head, so he is also famous but not human. He is a subordinate of Emperor Shakti and is responsible for playing music, so he is the god of music. There are male and female gods of this kind, the male is a horse-headed person, and the female is dignified and beautiful; the male is good at playing, and the female is good at singing. Not only does the Kinnara girl sing beautifully, but she also produces magic. Kinnara girls often marry Gandharva, the god of music. The male Kinnara has an unattractive appearance and has a horse head; the female Kinnara has a dignified appearance and a wonderful voice. It is said that there were five hundred immortals practicing meditation in the mountains. At that time, the Kinnara girl was bathing in the Tianchi in the snow-capped mountains. She felt so happy that she couldn't help singing. The charming singing voice made the five hundred immortals "lose their meditation, become intoxicated and wild, unable to control themselves, just like the strong wind blowing the trees in the forest."

"The Theory of Great Wisdom" also said that there were five hundred immortals flying in the clouds and mist. Suddenly, the moving singing voice of the Kinnara girl came. The immortals were suddenly intoxicated and forgot about everything. Their Taoism suddenly failed and they fell from the sky one after another. dust. 22. Emperor Ziwei Emperor Ziwei, also known as "Zhongtian Ziwei Arctic Emperor". This god's name comes from the ancient worship of the North Star. The ancients believed that the North Star was the emperor star, and he lived in the Ziwei Palace in the sky. Therefore, it is also called the forbidden city of the emperors of the world as the "Forbidden City". Taoism absorbed these sayings and respected the Arctic Taihuang who lived in Zhongtian Ziwei Palace as one of the four emperors. Its duty is to assist the Jade Emperor in controlling the latitude and longitude of the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the climate of the four seasons. Because the relationship between agriculture and climate in ancient China was very close, the Taihuang Emperor was deeply respected by the people. The Ming Dynasty court specially built the Ziwei Hall to "set up statues to offer sacrifices." He often shares the same hall with the Jade Emperor. His image is based on the "Dongzhen Tai Chi Beidi Ziwei Divine Mantra Miao Sutra". He wears a crown and court clothes, and he has the image of an emperor on earth. 23. Dongyue Emperor Dongyue Emperor, whose full name is "Dongyue Tianqi Rensheng Emperor", is the Taishan God worshiped by Taoism. It was originally also a folk belief in ancient my country. After Taoism absorbed him, he was said to be the god in charge of life and death in the world. Emperors of all dynasties have repeatedly praised him. Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty named him "King of Tianqi"; Emperor Zhenzong of Song Dynasty named him "King of Rensheng Tianqi" in the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1008); in the fourth year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1011) he was named "The Rensheng Emperor of Dongyue Tianqi"; In the twenty-eighth year of Yuan Dynasty (1291), Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty named him "Emperor Dashengren of Dongyue Tianqi". Folk belief is also very common, and temples dedicated to him have been built in various places. Every year, March 28th of the lunar calendar is his sacrificial day. His image is that of an old emperor: wearing a crown and robe, a crown and belt around his neck, two locks of beard hanging down his chin, holding a jade wat in his hand, and wearing cloud-head shoes. 24. Thunder God Thunder God is the god of thunder in ancient Chinese myths and legends. "The Classic of Mountains and Seas - Hai Nei Dong Jing" records: "There is a god of thunder in Lei Ze, with a dragon head and a human body, and his belly is inflated." "Taiping Guangji" quoted "Shenxian Gantongji Biography" as saying that Lei Gong had five brothers, namely Tianlei and Dilei. , water mine, social thunder (also known as demon thunder) and divine thunder are the five thunder gods. Taoism saw the widespread influence of the thunder god among the people and transformed it into a Taoist god. Taoism also has the so-called "Five Thunder Heavenly Mind Zhengfa" practice method, which is preached to cause thunderstorms and get rid of illness and pain. The image of the God of Thunder was initially in the form of a dragon, and later became half human and half beast; after being absorbed by Taoism, he became completely human again. Today, in Buddhist temples and Taoist temples, there are roughly two types of images of the God of Thunder: one is half human, half animal, with unkempt hair, human-like ghost, wearing armor, holding a mountain-splitting ax; the other is humanoid, wearing armor, with a face. He has a mustache; his left hand is in a mudra, and his right hand is holding a hammer; his left foot is stepping on a drum, and his right foot is making the appearance of beating a drum. In short, the Buddhist gods and goddesses who protect the Dharma are the richest and most fantastic part of the Buddhist gods. They have the duty of protecting the Dharma, but sometimes they also assist the Buddha and Bodhisattva in the work of transforming and guiding sentient beings. "The Lotus Sutra of Wonderful Dharma: The Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva" says that depending on the objects of salvation, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva can appear as various protector gods such as the Brahma King body, the Emperor Shikaya body, and the Kinnara body to save all living beings. The Avatamsaka Sutra also says: "All Buddhas abdicated, either to become Bodhisattvas, or to become Voice-Hearers, or to become wheel-turning sage kings, or to become demon kings, ministers, lay people, elders, or to be colorful ladies, or to serve as prime ministers, or Become a powerful ghost god, a mountain god, a river god, a water god, a fire god, a god of crops, trees, and heretics, and make various expedients to help me, Shakyamuni Tathagata, transform and guide sentient beings.

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