Every myth carries a truth older than the civilization that told it.
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The Mahoraga, great serpent-beings of Buddhist cosmology — immense chthonic dragon-like creatures counted among the eight classes of supernatural beings
The Preta, the “hungry ghosts” of Buddhist cosmology — tormented spirits of one of the six realms of rebirth, consumed by an insatiable hunger they can
Vaisravana (Bishamonten, Kubera), the guardian king of the North and god of wealth — chief of the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the dharma, a mighty
Dhrtarastra, the guardian king of the East — one of the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the dharma, a noble armored deity who commands the celestial
Virudhaka, the guardian king of the South — one of the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the dharma, a fierce armored deity who commands the kumbhanda
Virupaksa, the guardian king of the West — one of the Four Heavenly Kings who protect the dharma, an all-seeing armored deity who commands the nagas,
Mara, the great tempter and adversary of Buddhism — the demon-lord of death, desire and delusion who embodies all that binds beings to suffering, who
Namuci, an ancient demon of drought, death and obstruction inherited by Buddhism — “he who does not let go”, who withheld the waters of life and was
Apalala, a fierce naga water-dragon of Buddhist legend who sent destructive floods in vengeance, until the Lord Buddha tamed and converted him — a
Ksitigarbha (Jizo, Dizang), the great “Earth-Store” bodhisattva who vowed not to attain Buddhahood until the hells are empty — descending into the
