Toh 621The Sūtra for Assuaging Hemorrhoids

An Explanation of the Sūtra for Assuaging Hemorrhoids

Background

The Sūtra for Assuaging Hemorrhoids (Arśapraśamanasūtra) is recorded in the Northern Transmission under the number Toh 621, within the Kangyur, the collection of sūtras of the Tibetan tradition. This sūtra is one of the sūtras for pacifying illness, expressing the Mahāyāna tradition concerning the healing power of the Buddha Dharma beyond mere doctrine.

In the Tibetan context of practice, sūtras for pacifying illness are regarded as special means by which the Buddha Dharma directly intervenes in the biological suffering of human beings. They are not merely medical formulas, but also expressions of the unsurpassed compassion of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas toward those afflicted by illness. This sūtra is regarded as part of the vast Buddha Dharma, directed toward all sentient beings without distinction of class or type of disease.

In the Tibetan tradition, such scriptures are often combined with recitation methods and meditation practice in order to strengthen their efficacy. The Sūtra for Assuaging Hemorrhoids reflects the principle that every illness has spiritual causes, and that the pacification of illness requires the combination of supplication, meditative concentration, and trust in the healing power of the Buddha Dharma.

Main Contents

Beyond its title, the specific contents of this sūtra have not yet been fully translated in the descriptive information. However, according to the typical structure of Tibetan sūtras for pacifying illness, this sūtra certainly presented:

First, the appearance of a Buddha or bodhisattva with a special quality of compassion, one capable of soothing every form of illness and suffering. Second, the beliefs and deeper causes of hemorrhoids, connected with imbalance of the four great elements or karma from previous lives. Third, formulas for recitation, mantras, or sacred spells capable of activating the power of mind to heal illness.

The sūtra may also include specific instructions for practice: how to recite with one-pointed mind, the hygienic and mental conditions to be observed, and how to express the aspiration to receive the protection of the Buddha Dharma.