敦煌飞天【英】

Flying Apsaras in Dunhuang Murals

定义

飞天又名乾闼婆，紧那罗。飞行于佛国天空的天人。在佛教神灵中具有特殊职能。天龙八部之一。乾闼婆（Gandhanra），意为天歌神。也有人说：“乾闼婆是到处作诸伎乐以求饮食和香气的艺人。紧那罗（Kinnara）意为天乐神。

Flying Apsaras: also known as Gandhanra or Kinnara, refer to flying celestial maidens in the Buddha field, and they serve a special function as one of the eight categories of devas and nagas protecting the Dharma (tianlong babu in Chinese). Gandhanra can also mean the deity of celestial songs, and Kinnara can mean the deity of celestial music. It is also said that Gandhanras refer to heavenly musicians who dance and sing, seeking food, drink, and heavenly aromas.