makara ［摩竭］ (, Pali;  makatsu): A huge fish often mentioned in Buddhist scriptures. The Great Compassion Sutra relates the story of a merchant seaman whose ship is about to be swallowed by a makara. Though his shipmates are in despair, he fixes his mind on the Buddhas and calls upon their mercy. Seeing him, the others join him in prayer, and the makara ceases its attack.