eight kinds of nonhuman beings ［八部衆］ ( hachibu-shu): Also, eight kinds of beings or eight kinds of guardians. Beings referred to in Buddhist scriptures as protectors of Buddhism. They are deva, or heavenly beings; nāga, or dragons; a kind of demon called yaksha; gods of music called gandharva; belligerent demons called asura; garuda, birds that prey on dragons; kimnara, gods with beautiful voices; and mahoraga, gods in snake forms. Buddhist scriptures refer to the eight kinds of nonhuman beings either individually or with expressions such as “heavenly beings (or gods), dragons, and others of the eight kinds of nonhuman beings.” The eight kinds of nonhuman beings are often described as attendants at the assembly of the Buddha’s preaching.