Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons(天龙八部):
In Chinese, it is pronounced as: tiān lóng bā bù，Written as:

The Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons is a group of mythological beings in Buddhism, mentioned frequently in Buddhist scriptures, particularly in the Lotus Sutra and the Greater Prajnaparamita Sutra. These eight classes of beings represent the Guardian deities of Buddhism, often appearing in Buddhist texts to protect the Buddha dharma.
Specific Composition of the Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons:
1. Celestial Beings: Inhabitants of the Celestial Realm, residing in the Six Desire Heavens and the Form Realm Heavens, they live long lives and enjoy celestial bliss.
2. Dragons: As the God of Water, dragons can bring rain and possess great supernatural powers, sometimes taking human form.
3. Yakshas: Fast and brave ghostly deities, divided into terrestrial, aerial, and celestial Yakshas.
4. Gandharvas: Music deities of the Celestial Realm, musicians who consume fragrance as food.
5. Asuras: Demigods with immense strength and supernatural powers, often clashing with celestial beings.
6. Garudas: Golden-winged birds of the Eightfold Path, predators of dragons.
7. Kinnaras: Music deities often accompanying Gandharvas, resembling humans but not human.
8. Mahoragas: Giant serpent deities, resembling snakes, dwelling underground.
In Buddhism, the Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons symbolizes various powers and characteristics, protecting the Buddha dharma and representing its wide-reaching influence and inclusiveness. Each class of beings has distinct traits and duties, yet all are inspired by Buddha dharma to safeguard the dissemination and development of Buddhism.
The concept of the “Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons” in Buddhism has profound influence, holding significant religious importance and frequently appearing in the culture, art, and literature of Asia. For example, the Martial Arts and Chivalry novel “Eightfold Path of the Celestial Dragons” by Louis Cha uses this name, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the characters and their fates. The imagery of the Eightfold Path is also common in Buddhist temple sculptures and paintings, becoming a vital element of Buddhist art.