The Asuras
“Furthermore, Ananda, in the Three Realms there are four categories of asuras.
“Some asuras are among ghosts. They devote their strength to protect the Dharma, and they have certain supernatural power to penetrate emptiness as well as to live in the space. These asuras are born from eggs and belong to the destiny of ghosts.
“Some asuras are among humans. They have fallen from the heavens for lacking merit and are now to dwell beneath the sun and the moon. These asuras are born from wombs and belong to the destiny of humans.
“Some asuras are among gods. They have world-commanding powers and fearlessness, and they are eager to contend with Lord Brahma, God Sakra, and the Four Heavenly Kings. These asuras come into being by metamorphosis and belong to the destiny of gods.
“Ananda, there is also another baser kind of asuras. They are born in deepwater caves that lie on the seafloor. By day they emerge to roam in the space, and at night they return to their deepwater abodes. These asuras come into being in the presence of moisture and belong to the destiny of animals.”
復次阿難是三界中復有四種阿修羅類。若於鬼道以護法力成通入空。此阿修羅從卵而生。鬼趣所攝。若於天中降德貶墜。其所卜居隣於日月。此阿修羅從胎而出。人趣所攝。有修羅王執持世界力洞無畏。能與梵王及天帝釋四天爭權。此阿修羅因變化有天趣所攝。阿難別有一分下劣修羅。生大海心沈水穴口。旦遊虛空暮歸水宿。此阿修羅因濕氣有畜生趣攝。
Buddha Mind 