金光明最勝王經

CHAPTER 13: THE DHARANI OF NON-ATTACHMENT

At that time, the World-Honored One again said to the Venerable Sariputra, “There is now a Dharma gateway called the Dharani of Non-Attachment. It is a gateway cultivated by bodhisattvas, the mother of bodhisattvas, and was upheld by bodhisattvas of the past.”

Sariputra said, “World-Honored One! What are the phrases and meaning of this dharani? Does it have no locus, or is it not without a locus?”

The Buddha said, “Excellent, excellent! Sariputra! You have aroused the Mahayana mind, believe in and understand the Mahayana, and honor the Mahayana.

As you have said, this dharani has no locus, yet is not without a locus; it is neither Dharma nor non-Dharma; it belongs neither to the past, the future, nor the present; it is neither created nor uncreated; it is neither conditioned by objects nor unconditioned by objects; it is neither changing nor unchanging; it neither arises from dharmas nor ceases through dharmas. Yet, for the benefit of bodhisattvas, I establish it in accordance with the function and right path, the inner principle, and the power of the dharani.

It is merit, the prohibitive precepts, the Dharma of training, the secret intent, and the birthplace of all Buddhas. Therefore, it is called the supreme and most wondrous Dharma gateway of the Dharani of Non-Attachment.”

Sariputra said, “World-Honored One! May the Sugata teach us this dharani Dharma! If bodhisattvas are able to abide securely, never retreat from the path to unsurpassed bodhi, fulfill their right vows, attain nonreliance and unobstructed eloquence, accomplish rare qualities, and abide upon the noble path, it is all through the power of this dharani.”

The Buddha said, “Excellent, excellent! So it is, so it is! It is just as you have said. If a bodhisattva attains this dharani, that bodhisattva is no different from a Buddha. Whoever honors, makes offerings to, draws near to, and attends upon such a bodhisattva makes offerings to a Buddha. Those who hear this dharani, uphold, read, and recite it, and give rise to faith and understanding likewise reverently make offerings to all Buddhas. Through these causes and conditions, they will attain the unsurpassed fruition.”

Having said this, the World-Honored One proclaimed: “Tát da tha, san đa ra ni, a pa đa ra ni, su sam pờ ra tít thi ta, su na ma, su pờ ra tít thi ta, vi ja da ba la, sát da, pờ ra ti sin ja, su rô ha, sin ja na ma ti, u pa đa ni, a ba na ma ni, a bi sích ni, a bi vi da ka ra, sú ba pa ti, su ni sí ta, ba hum, gun ja, a bi pa đa, sa va ha.”

The Buddha again told Sariputra, “If bodhisattvas can abide securely and correctly uphold the Mantra of Non-Attachment, then for one hundred kalpas, one thousand kalpas, or hundreds of thousands of kalpas, the right vows aroused by those bodhisattvas will never be exhausted. Their bodies and lives will not be harmed by swords, staffs, poison, water, fire, or wild beasts. Why is this?

Because this mantra is the mother of the Buddhas of the past, the Buddhas of the future, and the Buddhas of the present. If someone filled ten asamkhyeyas of great trichiliocosms with the seven treasures, the finest food and drink, and superior garments, and offered them to all Buddhas, that person’s merit would not equal even a small part of the merit of one who merely upholds a single phrase of this mantra. For this is an exceedingly profound Dharma and the mother of all Buddhas.”

Sariputra and the entire great assembly, having heard the Buddha teach this Dharma of Non-Attachment, rejoiced greatly and reverently vowed to uphold it.

CHAPTER 14: THE WISH-FULFILLING JEWEL

At that time, the World-Honored One told Ananda, “There is a Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Dharani that can help sentient beings avoid calamities and ward off thunderbolts. It was taught by the Tathagatas, Worthy Ones, Perfectly Enlightened Ones of the past. Now, in this sutra, I shall also proclaim it for you so that devas and humans may obtain great benefit, and so that the world may be protected and all beings may always dwell in peace and happiness.” Hearing the Buddha speak thus, the entire great assembly and Ananda listened single-mindedly as he taught the mantra.

The Buddha said, “Listen! In the east is the thunder king A-ga-ta. In the south is the thunder king Sa-tát-ru. In the west is the thunder king Ci-du-táp-ra-ba. In the north is the thunder king Su-ta-ma-ni. Whoever hears the names of these kings and knows their locations will avoid calamities and fears. Wherever the names of these four are written, there will be no calamities, obstructive adversities, or untimely death.” Having instructed the assembly, the World-Honored One immediately proclaimed: “Ta đa tha, ni mi ni, ni mi ni, ni min đa ri, tri lô ca, lô ca ni, tri sút ra pa ni, rát sa rát sa, sa va ha. May I, named …, and this place be free from fears and sufferings caused by thunderbolts, and even from untimely death, sa va ha.”

At that time, the great bodhisattva Avalokitesvara rose from his seat in the assembly, bared his right shoulder, joined his palms reverently, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today, before the Buddha and with reverence, I too shall briefly teach the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Mantra. It will bring great benefit to all devas and humans, compassionately protect the entire world, bring peace and happiness, provide ample strength, and fulfill all wishes.” Having spoken, the bodhisattva proclaimed the mantra: “Tát da tha, ga tê, vi ga tê, ni ga tê, pờ rát ti a tha kê, pờ ra ti mi trê, sút đê, mút tê, vi ma lê, pờ ra ba sa va rê, an đa rê, pan đa rê, sơ vét tê, Pan đa ra va sít ni, Ha ri, Kan ta ri, Pin ga la ki, Đạt đi mu khi, rát sa rát sa, sa va ha.

May I and this dwelling place be far removed from all fears, all sufferings, and even untimely death. May I never behold evil deeds and always be compassionately remembered and protected by the noble bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Sa va ha.”

Vajrapani, the Lord of Secrets, also quickly rose, joined his palms reverently, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today I too shall teach the Invincible Dharani to benefit devas and humans, compassionately protect the entire world, provide sentient beings with ample strength, and fulfill their wishes.” Having addressed the Buddha, the Lord of Secrets proclaimed: “Tát da tha, mu ni mu ni, mu ni nê, ha rê, ma ti ma ti, su ma ti, ma ha ma ti, ha ha ha ha, ma ba, i na si thi tê, pa pa, vai ra pa ni, a ham, ci ri ca sa va ha.

World-Honored One! This mantra is also called Invincible Protection. If anyone single-mindedly upholds, copies, reads, recites, and remembers it without forgetting, I shall protect that person day and night, so that they encounter no fear and suffer no untimely death.”

At that time, Brahma, lord of the Saha world, rose, joined his palms, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today I possess a wondrous dharani Dharma that brings great benefit to devas and humans everywhere, compassionately protects the entire world, provides sentient beings with ample strength, and fulfills their wishes.” Having addressed the Buddha, King Brahma proclaimed the mantra: “Tát da tha, hi li mi li, đi li, sa va ha. Bờ ra ma pu rê, Bờ ra ma ma ni, Bờ ra ma ga bê, put pa sam sa thi rê, sa va ha. World-Honored One! This mantra is called Brahma’s Governance. Whoever upholds it, I shall protect, helping that person leave behind sorrow, evil karma, and even every form of untimely death.”

At that time, Sakra rose, joined his palms reverently, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today I too possess a dharani named Va rát san. This mantra possesses great radiance. It eliminates all fears and calamities, prevents untimely death, rescues beings from suffering, grants happiness, and benefits devas and humans.” Having addressed the Buddha, Sakra proclaimed: “Tát da tha, vi mi va ri ni, van đa ma đân đê, ma ni nê ti ni, Gô ri, Can đa li, Ma tan ghi, Pút ca si, sa ráp ra ba, hi na ma ti a, ta ma, út ta ra ni, ma ha ra ni, đa ra ni ku, cát ra va kê, sa va ri, sa va ri, sa va ha.”

The four heavenly kings—Vaisravana, Dhrtarastra, Virudhaka, and Virupaksa—also immediately rose, joined their palms reverently, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today we too possess the Mantra That Bestows Fearlessness upon All Sentient Beings. It has great power, protects sentient beings and frees them from suffering, brings them happiness, lengthens their lives, and eliminates all sufferings, including untimely death.” Having addressed the Buddha, the four heavenly kings proclaimed the mantra together: “Ta da tha, pút pê, su pút pê, đu ma, pa ri ha rê, a ri da pa ri sa sít đê, san ti ni, mút kờ tê, mam ga li ê, sút tê, sít đa vi tê, sa va ha.”

Next, the dragon kings Manasvin, Lightning Radiance, Heatless Pool, Lightning Tongue, and Wondrous Radiance all rose, joined their palms reverently, and said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One! Today we too possess the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Dharani. It has great power, wards off thunderbolts, eliminates fear, brings great benefit to devas and humans everywhere, compassionately protects the entire world, gives sentient beings ample strength, fulfills their wishes, prevents untimely death and inauspicious events, and even eliminates poison, venomous creatures, and harmful spells.

We now offer this mantra to the World-Honored One. May he compassionately accept it, so that we may escape our dragon bodies and forever relinquish stingy thoughts. Because of stinginess, we undergo suffering in the course of birth and death.

Today we vow to sever this cause of stinginess.”

Having addressed the Buddha, the dragon kings proclaimed: “Tát đa tha, a ca lê, a ma lê, am ra tê, át sa dê, a ba dê, pun da pát da pa tê, sát va pa pa pờ ra sa ma ni dê, sa va ha, a li dê, pan đu su pát ni dê, sa va ha. World-Honored One! If anyone repeats this mantra, copies it, upholds, reads, and recites it, or reverently makes offerings to it, that person will not suffer calamities caused by thunderbolts, fears, pain, or any kind of untimely death. Moreover, poison, venomous creatures, demons, curses, maledictions, lions, poisonous snakes, mosquitoes, and gnats will be unable to cause harm.”

The World-Honored One said, “Excellent, excellent! All these mantras possess awesome power and can accord with and fulfill the wishes in the minds of all sentient beings, bringing them great benefit. Except for those who lack sincerity, none of you should harbor any doubt.”

Hearing the Buddha’s teaching, the entire great assembly rejoiced exceedingly and reverently accepted it with faith.

CHAPTER 15: THE GODDESS GREAT ELOQUENCE

At that time, the goddess Great Eloquence rose from within the assembly, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and said, “World-Honored One! If a Dharma master expounds this sutra, I shall increase that person’s wisdom, provide complete eloquence, and make their words fluent. If the Dharma master forgets or omits any passage or meaning, I shall help them recollect it fully, skillfully awaken the entire audience, and confer upon them the unobstructed power of total retention.

The Sutra of Golden Light is upheld by sentient beings who planted roots of goodness before hundreds of thousands of Buddhas. I shall cause it to circulate throughout Jambudvipa and prevent it from quickly disappearing. I shall also enable immeasurable sentient beings who hear this sutra to attain inconceivable eloquence, inexhaustible wisdom, mastery of treatises and worldly occupations, liberation from birth and death, and attainment of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment.

I shall further enable such persons to enjoy long lives in the present and possess all necessities of daily life.

“World-Honored One! For the Dharma masters who expound the Sutra of Golden Light and for those who delight in hearing it, I shall teach a mantra and a method of bathing with medicinal water. This will eliminate all obstacles and inauspicious signs: baleful stars appearing in conflict with the natal star at the time of birth, epidemics, warfare, nightmares, ghosts and spirits, venomous creatures, harmful charms, and spells that animate corpses.[1] Knowledgeable persons should perform the bathing method as follows:

“First, prepare thirty-two aromatic medicines in full: sweet flag, bezoar, alfalfa, musk, realgar, silk-tree, bletilla, Sichuan lovage, goji root, pine resin, cinnamon twig, nutgrass, agarwood, sandalwood, fragrant thoroughwort, clove, turmeric, cao bà-luật, vi hương, bamboo silica, small cardamom, spikenard, patchouli, cogon-grass root, sất-chi, ngãi nạp, benzoin, mustard seed, mã cân, dragon-flower stamens, white resin, and qingmu incense.

Use equal quantities. On the proper day under the star Bố-sái,[2] mix all the aromatic medicines, pound them finely, and sift them into a fine powder. Recite the following mantra over the aromatic medicines 108 times: Ta da tha, su ka ri ti, ka ri ti, ka ri ti, ka ma ta lê, jan ca ri ti, u ka ri ti, in da ra ja li ni, sát ka ran tê, va cha ci lê, a ban ti, ca si kê na, ku đu, ku đu, kha ca vi lê, ka pi lê, ka pi lê, ka pi la ma ti, sí la ma ti, san đi đu ra ma ti, pa ba ka, bam chi lê, Si rê Si rê, sa ti da thi tê, sa va ha.

Open four gates on the altar’s four sides,
With four people guarding them according to the rite.
Choose four youths of dignified appearance
To stand at the four corners holding water vessels.

Mix the powdered aromatic medicines with hot water
And place it within this altar.
After the altar has been fully prepared,
Recite the following mantra to establish the boundary:

Ta da tha, an ra kê, na da nê, hi lê, mi lê, gi lê, ki ki lê, sa va ha.

“The mantra to be recited over the water in the vessels and the aromatic medicinal water is: ta da tha, su ga ti, vi ga ti, vi ga ca, va đê, sa va ha.

“After bathing, take the used aromatic medicinal water collected in the basin and the food and drink previously offered, and cast them into a river or lake. Then put away all the other objects, change into clean robes, and leave the altar. Enter a quiet room, where the mantra master should instruct the practitioner to make this broad vow: ‘May I forever cease doing evil and always perform good deeds. May I arouse great compassion for sentient beings. Through these causes and conditions, may I attain immeasurable blessings according to my wishes.’”

Great Eloquence then spoke in verse:

The stars of the four directions, the sun, and the moon
Will exercise their awesome power to lengthen their lives.
Auspicious, peaceful, and secure, their merit will increase,
And every calamity and adversity will be eliminated.

“Next, one should recite the protective mantra twenty-one times: Ta da tha, sam mê, vi sam mê, sa va ha, su ga tê, vi ga tê, vi ga tê, sa va ha. Vi ga ta, pam ga chi, va ti sa va ha, Sa ga ra sam bút đa da, sa va ha, Sa ga ra sam bút đa da, sa va ha, sa kan đa, ma ta da, sa va ha, ni la kan ta da, sa va ha, a pa ra ji ta, via da da, sa va ha, hi ma van ta da, sa va ha, a ni mi la vát ta da, sa va ha, na mo ba ga va tê, Bờ ra ma ni, sa va ha, na mô Sa rát va ti ma ha, đép dê, sa va ha, sít dan tu, mam man tra pa đa, sa va ha đa ra ta, va chi tô, Bờ ra ma nu, ma nô ra sa va ha.”

Having taught the bathing rite, the method of establishing the altar, and the mantras, the goddess Great Eloquence bowed at the Buddha’s feet and said, “World-Honored One! If bhiksus, bhiksunis, upasakas, or upasikas uphold, read, recite, copy, and circulate this sutra and cultivate according to it, then wherever those people and their audiences may be—whether in mountains and forests, wildernesses, cities, villages, or the dwellings of monks and nuns—we shall bring our retinues, play celestial music, and go there to protect them. We shall eliminate all illnesses and bring great benefit, ensure that they do not retreat from the path of bodhi, and help them swiftly transcend birth and death.”

Hearing this, the Buddha praised Great Eloquence, saying, “Excellent, excellent! Goddess, through this mantra and method of bathing with aromatic medicines, you can bring peace, happiness, and great benefit to immeasurable, boundless sentient beings. You will gain inconceivable merit. You should also protect this supreme sutra and help it circulate forever throughout all places.”

Hearing the Buddha’s praise, the goddess rejoiced, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and withdrew to sit upon her seat.

At that very moment, a brahmin of the Kaundinya clan named Dharma Master Prediction, relying upon the Buddha’s awesome power, spoke verses before the great assembly in praise of and invitation to the goddess Great Eloquence:

The goddess accepted the request and proclaimed the mantra: “Ta da tha, mi ri, chi ô rê, a va tê, a va rê va ti, hin gu lê, min gu lê, pin ga lê va ti, an khu sa, ma ri ci ê, sam ma ti, vi sam ma ti, a gờ ra ti, ma khi ê, ta ra chi, ta ra chi va ti, chia si, chi ri, si ri mi ri, ma nan đi, đa ma khê, ma ri chi ê, pờ ra na pa ry ê, lô ka ja dếp tha, lô ka, sa nét thi, lô ka vi ri ê, sít đa, pa ra tê, bi ma mu khi, su chi cha ri, áp ra ti ha tê, áp ra ti ha ta bút đi, na mu chi, ma ha na mu chi, ma ha đép dê, pờ ra ti-gờ ra ha, na mát ka ra, ma ma but đi, đạc sa bi bút đi, áp ra ti ha ta, ba va tu, si ra ha mê, vi sút đa, ci tô, sát tra si lô ka, man tra-pi ta ka, ka pi da đi sô, tát da tha, ma ha pờ ra ba va, hi li mi li, vi cha ra tu, vi bút đi, ma ma bút đi, vi sút đi, ba ga va ty ê,

đê vê dam, Sa rát va tim, ka ra ti, kê du ra ma ti, hi ri mi ri, hi ri mi ri, a ba da, mê ma ha đê vi, bút đa-sát dê na, đạt ma-sát dê na, san ga sat dê na, In đờ ra sát dê na, Va ru na sát dê na, dê lô ki ê sát da, sat dê na, tê sam, sat dê na, sát da va cha ni da, a ba da, mê ma ha đê vi, hi li mi li, hi li mi li, vi cha ra tu, ma ma bút đi, no na mô ba ga va ti, ma ha đê va, Sa rát va ti da, sít đi dan tu, man tra pa đa mê, sa va ha.”

After proclaiming the mantra, the goddess Eloquence said to the brahmin, “Excellent, excellent! Great being, you are able to seek unobstructed eloquence, precious objects, wisdom, and spiritual powers for sentient beings, thereby benefiting them all and swiftly realizing bodhi. Great being, you should know this method.” The goddess then spoke in verse:

First, one should read and recite this mantra
Until thoroughly fluent and free from error.
Take refuge reverently in the Three Jewels and the devas,
And pray for their protection and the fulfillment of wishes.

The Buddha’s body is pure gold, adorned with dignified marks;
Contemplate it with right mindfulness and an undistracted mind.
The World-Honored One compassionately teaches the Dharma,
In accordance with capacities, instructing beings in meditation.

Deeply contemplate the meaning of every phrase,
And cultivate in reliance upon the nature of emptiness.
Then go before the image of the World-Honored One,
Sit in full lotus with single-minded right mindfulness.

One will attain the wondrous wisdom of samadhi[4]
And attain the supreme dharani.
The Tathagata’s golden mouth expounds the Dharma;
His beautiful voice subdues devas and humans.

His tongue manifests wondrous signs according to conditions,
Long and broad, covering the great trichiliocosm.
Such is the wondrous voice of all Buddhas;
Remember it sincerely and be free from fear and anxiety.

The voices and tongues of all Buddhas—
Contemplate them single-mindedly, and your vows will be fulfilled.
When you see someone making offerings to the goddess Eloquence,
And see a disciple following the teacher’s instruction,

Transmit this Dharma and cause them to cultivate it.
If they honor it and practice according to their intent, their vows will certainly be fulfilled.
Whoever wishes to attain supreme wisdom
Should single-mindedly cultivate this Dharma.

Use four clean vessels filled with delicious food;
Day and night offer incense and flowers.
Hang multicolored silk, banners, and canopies;
Scatter perfumed paste and aromatic powder everywhere.

Make offerings to all Buddhas and the goddess Eloquence.
If one seeks to see her celestial body, one will behold it.
Recite this mantra for twenty-one days,
And one may meet Great Eloquence face to face.

If one has not yet encountered the goddess,
One should concentrate and recite for nine more days.
If she still has not appeared after the final night,
Go again to a truly pure place.

Paint an image of Great Eloquence according to the rite,
Make offerings and recite with single-minded concentration.
Diligently practice day and night without indolence;
The benefit to oneself and others will be immeasurable.

Bestow upon sentient beings the fruition attained;
All that is sought will be fulfilled.
If one’s wishes are not fulfilled, continue for three months,
Six months, nine months, or one year.

Persistently entreat her without relinquishing the resolve;
One will attain the divine eye and knowledge of others’ minds.

Hearing this, the brahmin Kaundinya rejoiced greatly and praised it as unprecedented. He said to everyone, “All devas and humans! You should listen single-mindedly. I shall now praise the goddess according to conventional truth.” The brahmin then spoke in verse:

She fully manifests both beautiful and fearsome forms;
Her gaze can cause people to fear.
Her immeasurable excellent practices transcend the world;
She protects and assists those who believe and honor her.

Lions, tigers, and leopards constantly accompany her;
Buffaloes, cows, chickens, and goats also follow.
Bells and chimes resound loudly,
And all upon Mount Tần-đà listen.

Having heard, they carry tridents, their hair in round topknots;
In both hands they hold banners of the sun and moon.
On the ninth and eleventh days of every month,
They arrange offerings to Great Eloquence.

Foremost in pure conduct among women,
Her speech is like that of the lord of the world.
When appearing as a ruler, she is like a lotus;
Beside rivers and streams, she becomes bridges and boats.

Her countenance is like the bright full moon;
Learned and well-informed, she is the assembly’s refuge.
Her lofty eloquence is like Mount Sumeru;
Mindful of people, she becomes an island and sandbank.

Like a bright lamp that constantly shines,
She illuminates the lands of the ten directions.
Even the wishes of ghosts, spirits, birds, and beasts
Are fulfilled by the goddess.

Like a lofty mountain among women,
Like an ancient sage forever abiding in the world,
Like a celestial maiden always free from desire,
Like Mahaprajapati,[6] she speaks true words.

For those surrounded in battle,
Those fallen into fiery pits, rivers, or streams,
Or those entering dangerous roads and meeting cruel bandits,
The goddess brings safety and well-being.

Those who violate royal law and are placed in fetters,
Or are about to be harmed by enemies,
If they concentrate their minds and remain mindful without distraction,
Will certainly escape these painful adversities.

With loving-kindness and compassion, she pities all sentient beings,
Helping both the virtuous and the wicked attain safety.
Therefore, with utmost sincerity, I bow
And take refuge in the goddess Great Eloquence.

The brahmin again praised the goddess with this mantra-hymn:

Homage, homage to the supremely honored one!
The foremost mother in the world,
To whom the three kinds of worlds make offerings;
Her facial features and bearing delight all who behold her.

At that time, the Buddha told the brahmin, “Excellent, excellent! You have skillfully brought great benefit and every happiness to sentient beings. By wholeheartedly praising the goddess and requesting her protection, you will attain boundless merit.”

NOTES:

[1] A spell that animates a corpse: a mantra is recited over a dead body, causing it to rise and kill people.

[2] Bố-sái: the eighth day of each month.

[3] Cubit: an ancient Indian unit of length equivalent to twenty-four finger-joints.

[4] Samadhi: a state in which the mind is concentrated upon one object, free from dullness and restlessness.

[5] Narayana: a deity of invincible strength in ancient Indian legend, also called the Vajra Strongman or the Strongman Among Men.

[6] Mahaprajapati: Gautami, the maternal aunt of Prince Siddhartha.