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Audio | view transcript

The Protectors of the Dharma

by Sangharakshita

Indian cosmology provides the mythological figures who are the chief actors in the sutra. Here we meet the Four Great Kings, who promise to protect the sutra. They symbolise the world's need for transcendental nourishment, and the Transcendental's 'need' for a channel of communication with the world.

Talk given in 1976.

This talk is part of the series Transformation of Life and World in the Sutra of Golden Light.

Tracks (click play to listen)

Play All

	1.	The universe of the ancient Indians (10:43)
	2.	The heavens above Mount Meru (6:35)
	3.	The Heaven of the Thirty-three (1:55)
	4.	Offering the universe (5:55)
	5.	The Four Great Kings (8:32)
	6.	The opening speech (2:24)
	7.	The Kings at the frontier between the heavens and the Earth (3:03)
	8.	The Kings as leaders of non-human beings (5:04)
	9.	The Kings as Protectors (4:44)
	10.	Powerful positive energy (3:07)
	11.	Nourished by the Transcendental (4:19)
	12.	The Four Vows of the Four Great Kings (6:53)
	13.	Buddhist dragons (4:42)