གསང་བ་པ། | Glossary of Terms

A class of nonhuman beings, similar to yakṣas and perhaps synonymous with them in some contexts. They are closely associated with Kubera or Vaiśravaṇa, the lokapāla and god of wealth who is one of the Four Great Kings, but they also have a strong association with Vajrapāṇi, especially in this sūtra. Guhyakas are sometimes considered the guardians of Vaiśravaṇa’s treasure, or even hidden treasures in general, such as veins of gold and other lodes of precious substances concealed or hidden (guhya) beneath the ground. In this way, the terms guhyaka (“divine guardian of hidden treasure”), and guhya (“secret” or “hidden treasure”), play off each other throughout this sūtra.

A type of nonhuman being frequently found in the entourage of Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera), the lord of wealth.

A class of devas that, like the yakṣas, are ruled over by Kubera.

Attendants of Kubera, the god of wealth, and the guardians of his treasures. They live in the Himalayas at the source of the Ganges on the mountain that has been identified with Kailash.

A class of devas that, like the yakṣas, are ruled over by Kubera, but are also said to be his most trusted helpers.

A class of devas that, like the yakṣas, are ruled over by Kubera, but are also said to be his most trusted helpers. It is said that they protect his hidden treasures and live in mountain caves.

Another term for the yakṣa subjects of Vaiśravaṇa.

A class of celestial beings.

A subclass of yakṣas.

A type of semidivine being frequently found in the entourage of Kubera, the lord of wealth.

A subclass of yakṣas, but much of the time used as an alternative name for yakṣas.

Another term for the yakṣa subjects of Kubera.

Another term for a yakṣa, often used to describe them as subjects of Kubera.

A subclass of yakṣas, or an alternative name for yakṣas.

A subclass of yakṣas, or an alternative name for yakṣas.

A subclass of yakṣas, or an alternative name for yakṣas.

A class of nonhuman beings, usually identified with the yakṣas.

Semidivine beings closely related to or identical with yakṣas, who, like them, live in the realm of Kubera.

A subclass of yakṣas, but often used as an alternative name for yakṣas.