The Sūtra of the Sun is a short discourse providing a Buddhist account of a solar eclipse. On one occasion while the Buddha is residing in Śrāvastī, the sun is seized by Rāhu, lord of the asuras, which causes an eclipse. The god of the sun asks the Buddha for refuge, after which the Buddha urges Rāhu to release the sun. When questioned by Vemacitra, another lord of the asuras, Rāhu explains that if he had not let the sun go, his head would have split into seven pieces. This sūtra enjoys some popularity today and appears in Tibetan collections of mantras and texts for protection.
The Translation
Respectful homage to the noble Three Jewels!
Thus did I hear at one time. The Blessed One was dwelling in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍada’s park in Śrāvastī.19 At that time the god Sūrya was seized by Rāhu, lord of the asuras. Then [F.282.b] the god Sūrya, recollecting and taking the Blessed One to heart,20 recited this verse:
“I bow to the heroic Buddha.21
May you swiftly liberate all beings!22
As I have come into confinement
I take refuge in you.”23
Then the Blessed One, for the sake of the god Sūrya, addressed Rāhu, lord of the asuras, with these verses:
“Since buddhas have compassion for the world,
Sūrya took refuge
In the Worthy One, the Tathāgata.
Therefore, Rāhu, set the sun free!24
“The sun, circle of mighty splendor,
Illuminates darkness with light.
Rāhu, do not conceal the sun in the sky!
Thereupon Rāhu, lord of the asuras, set the god Sūrya free and hurriedly26 approached Vemacitra,27 lord of the asuras. He then sat to one side, displeased,28 agitated, and with all his body hairs bristling. Vemacitra, lord of the asuras, now questioned Rāhu, lord of the asuras, in verse:
“Why, Rāhu, did you release
The sun in such a fright?
You are a very miserable sight.
Why did you approach in fear?”29
He replied:30
“Had I, hearing the Buddha’s verse,
Not then released the sun
My head would have split into seven pieces31
And my life would be without happiness.”
This concludes “The Sūtra of the Sun.”32