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yakṣa

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

yakṣa (Skt.). Generally thought to be malevolent flesh-eating demons in later Buddhism, the yakṣa and their female counterparts, the yakṣinī, were originally more or less benevolent local nature divinities who if correctly propitiated would protect the community. If not treated with due respect they wreaked their vengeance upon the populace in the form of sickness and natural catastrophes. They were also believed to have many magical powers, especially that of shape-shifting. Yakṣinīs were particularly associated with trees, and are frequently depicted in Indian art as sinuous young women with great sexual grace, though with an undertone of menace.

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "yakṣa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "yakṣa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-yaka.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "yakṣa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-yaka.html

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Yakṣa

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Yakṣa. Collective name for supernatural beings in Hinduism, who inhabit the countryside and forests, but became especially associated with the sacred trees in villages. They can assume any form, and often appear as the servants of Kubera, the god of wealth. They can be beneficent or malevolent, but are usually known as punyajana, ‘good beings’, to propitiate them in advance.

In Jainism, they are attendants on each of the twenty-four tīrthaṅkaras.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Yakṣa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Yakṣa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Yaka.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Yakṣa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Yaka.html

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