In my attempt to limit myself to a single topic on each day I have to resist the temptation to talk only about my favorite topic each time. In Chapter 26, Dharanis, what I always want to discuss are the ten rakshasis and their mother, Hariti.
After offering their dharanis, they explain:
Anyone who does not keep our spells
But troubles the expounder of the Dharma
Shall have his head split into seven pieces
Just as the branches of the arjaka-tree [are split].
Anyone who attacks this teacher of the Dharma
Will receive the same retribution
As to be received by the person who kills his parents,
Or who makes [sesame] oil without taking out worms [from the sesame],
Or who deceives others by using wrong measures and scales,
Or by Devadatta who split the Samgha.
Rakshasas are a kind of flesh eating, blood drinking, or spirit draining demon or spirit. The tamer ones are known as yakshas and are the spirits of the trees, forests, and villages. They are considered a powerful type of hungry ghost. They appear as beautiful women (though they are sometimes shown with fangs) in courtly attire bearing various weapons or other symbolic objects. 10 Rakshasas Daughters from book Lotus WorldHariti, also known as Kishimojin
Kunti carries a spear.
Insatiable carries a curved scepter in her right hand, while her left hand holds a flower vase.
Black Teeth carries a banner in her left hand.
Crooked Teeth carries a tray of flowers.
Lamba holds a sword in her right hand and a sutra in her left.
Plunderer of Energy of All Beings holds a staff with rings.
Necklace Holding holds a garland in both hands.
Many Hairs carries a banner in both hands.
Flower Teeth carries the cintamani, or “wish-fulfilling gem.”
Vilamba carries cymbals.
The ten rakshasis and their mother, Hariti, appear in Chapter 26 of the Lotus Sutra and together offer dharanis for the protection of the teacher of the Lotus Sutra.
