With its blend of hip-hop grit, meditative sincerity, and Buddhist spiritual imagery, ‘Divine Guardian‘ dives into the everyday battle between temptation and intention. Set against the pulse of city nights and modern distractions, the track follows a narrator determined to walk straight even when the world pulls sideways. Calling on the protective presence of the devas Hemavata and Sātāgiri, the song fuses rap cadence with mantra-like refrains, creating a soundscape where ancient guardians meet contemporary struggle. It’s an anthem for anyone trying to stay clean, stay kind, and stay true—one honest choice at a time.

Composer Note: This song is inspired by the story of how 2 elder monks became yaksha generals because they compromised the integrity of the Dharma principles during the era of Kassapa Buddha. That story reminds us of the importance of conscience and staying true to the spirit of Dharma – not to repeat their footsteps.

Both Devas had attained the level of Sotapanna at the very least. Therefore, they are considered part of the Sangha. Since such Yaksha Generals fall under the rule of the four heavenly Kings, they also have the duty and inclination to protect Buddhists. So why not a song invoking their holy presence to keep temptation at bay?

Lyrics

[Intro – spoken/rap]

Yeah…Late nights, neon lights, choices pulling at my mind…

But I remember the guardians watching. Let’s go.

[Verse 1]

Woke up with a fire in my chest, Tryna be better, do my best—no less.

City’s got a rhythm that can pull you off track, Every little shortcut tryna drag me back.

But the Buddha’s words hit clean and true, “Stand firm in the good,” like a code to break through.

I keep it steady when the world say “cheat,” Walk straight even when the ground’s concrete.

[Pre-Chorus]

Temptation creepin’ like a shadow behind, But I’m done letting weak moments rewrite my mind.

Stay awake, stay bright, stay kind— Every small choice is a step to the divine.

[Chorus]

Hemavata, protect my way, Sātāgiri, keep my mind steady—hey!

Guard my heart when the rules start bending, Lift me up when the night descending.

Hold the line—hold the line for truth. Keep me clean in a world uncouth.

Deva Hemavata, Deva Sātāgiri, Watch over me when the road gets slippery.

Watch over me when the road gets slippery.

[Rap Bridge]

I ain’t tryna be perfect, just real, Every honest choice is a weapon I wield.

Got a mind that can rise, a heart that can heal, And the devas got my back like a titanium shield.

Hemavata asks: “Are you walking straight?” Sātāgiri echoes: “Don’t take the bait.”

So I breathe deep—reset my state, Turn my small victories into something great. [1:39]

[Hook – Pāli mantra style]

“Hemavata devā, rakkhatha maṃ;

Sātāgiri devā, rakkhatha maṃ.”

(“Deva Hemavata, protect me; Deva Sātāgiri, protect me.”)

Hemavata devā, rakkhatha maṃ;

Sātāgiri devā, rakkhatha maṃ.”

Deva Hemavata, Deva Sātāgiri,

Watch over me when the road gets slippery. Watch over me when the road gets slippery.

Watch over me when the road gets slippery.

Hemavata devā, rakkhatha maṃ;

Sātāgiri devā, rakkhatha maṃ.

Repeat Chant

[Chorus]

Hemavata, protect my way, Sātāgiri, keep my mind steady—hey!

Guard my heart when the rules start bending, Lift me up when the night descending.

Hold the line—hold the line for truth. Keep me clean in a world uncouth.

Deva Hemavata, Deva Sātāgiri,

Watch over me when the road gets slippery.

[Outro – melodic]

Step by step, I walk the night,

Holding on to what is right.

Devas whisper, “Stay aligned…”

I rise—untangled, undefiled.

To access the song, click on My Buddhist Songs.

May all be well and happy.