The eight groups of transmundane beings that are usually present at Maha^ya^na sutra convocations: deva 天， na^ga 龙， yaks!a 夜叉， gandharva 乾闼婆， asura 阿修罗， garuda 迦楼罗， kimnara 紧那罗 and mahoraga 摩睺罗伽. All of these are considered to be protectors of the buddhadharma.