eranda ［伊蘭］ (, Pali;  iran): A plant depicted in Buddhist scriptures as emitting a very foul odor, often mentioned in contrast with the fragrant sandalwood tree. The eranda is thought to refer to the castor-oil plant or a close relative, though the castor-oil plant does not emit a foul odor. According to the Ocean of Meditation on the Buddha Sutra, the odor of the eranda plant is similar to that of a rotting corpse and reaches a distance of forty yojanas. The sutra says that the fragrant sandalwood tree dispels the stench of the eranda. The eranda and its stench are cited as a metaphor for delusion and suffering, and the sandalwood and its wonderful fragrance as a metaphor for enlightenment or the purifying and beneficial power of the Buddhist Law. See also sandalwood tree.