十八契印

Having received the Abhiseka (Empowerment) from the Master and having obtained his seal of approval, before long one will attain accomplishment. Only a disciple endowed with these Characteristics may receive this transmission. This is the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (Cintāmaṇi) that can accomplish all undertakings. As the Sūtra speaks of the place: a mountainside, beside a river, a pure Araṇya (hermitage), a ravine, a cave… according to one's preference. The place must be far removed from all the dreadful calamities and dangers. The Practitioner prepares offerings according to his ability.

1 ) The Practitioner turns to face the Original Direction and pays homage to the Original Honored One (Bhagavān), then pays homage to the Buddhas of the other directions. Prostrating with the five limbs touching the ground in reverent salutation as taught in the Sūtra, kneeling with both knees long upon the ground, joining the palms hollow in the middle, with sincere Mind he confesses all the Sins of the three Karmas: "From past lives, I have drifted and tumbled within birth and death. Now, before the Great Holy Honored One, I wholeheartedly offer Repentance (Confession). As the Buddhas of former ages repented, so now do I repent likewise. May it be that, relying upon the power of empowerment, all sentient beings become pure."

By reason of this Great Vow, both self and others are without defilement (Vimala / Stainless).

The Secret Word (Mantra) is: "Án_ Tát-phộc bà phộc, thâu đà tát phộc, đạt ma tát-phộc bà phộc, thâu độ hàm"

輆 辱扣向 圩益 屹湱叻猣 辱扣向 圩益 珈曳

OMÏ SVABHÀVA ‘SUDDHA SARVA DHARMA SVABHÀVA ‘SUDDHA UHAMÏ

2 ) Next, facing the Original Honored One, sitting in the Full-Lotus posture (Vajra-paryaṅka) or the Half-Lotus posture, arouse the Mind of Great Compassion: "I cultivate this Dharma for the sake of all sentient beings; may I swiftly realize Unsurpassed Perfect Enlightenment (Anuttarā Samyak-saṃbodhi)."

First, grind the various incenses and use them to anoint the hands. Afterward, form the BUDDHA-DIVISION SAMAYA DHĀRAṆĪ MUDRA. Join the two hands hollow in the middle, extend the two index fingers and bend them to rest against the upper joints of the two middle fingers, bend the two thumbs to rest against the lower joints of the two index fingers, and thus the Mudra is formed. Place the Mudra at the Heart, visualize the 32 Major Marks and 80 Minor Marks of the Tathāgata clearly before the eyes, and with utmost Mind recite the True Words (Mantra) 7 times.

The True Words are: "Án_ Đát tha nghiệt đỗ nạp bà phộc dã, sa-phộc hạ"

湡　凹卡丫北咼名伏　送扣

OMÏ TATHÀGATA UDBHAVÀYA SVÀHÀ

By forming this Mudra and reciting the True Words, one immediately alerts all the Tathāgatas, who all protectively keep one in mind and bestow empowerment, emitting radiant light that touches the body of the Practitioner, whereupon all sin-hindrances are extinguished, lifespan swiftly increases, and Merit and Virtue grow greater. The Holy Assembly belonging to the Buddha Division joyfully gives support, and life after life, kalpa after kalpa, one departs far from the evil destinies, is born transformed (by transformation-birth) within a lotus flower, and swiftly realizes Unsurpassed Perfect Enlightenment.

3 ) Next, form the LOTUS-DIVISION SAMAYA MUDRA. Join the two hands hollow in the middle, spread open the two index fingers, two middle fingers, and two ring fingers, then curl them into the shape of a lotus flower. Place the Mudra at the Heart, and visualize Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva endowed with all the auspicious marks. Recite the True Words 7 times, then release the Mudra at the right side of the crown of the head.

The True Words are: "Án_ Bả ná mô nạp-bà phộc dã, sa-phộc hạ"

輆　扔痧 珈咼名伏　送扣

OMÏ PADMA UDBHAVÀYA SVÀHÀ

By forming this Mudra and reciting the True Words, one immediately alerts the One who holds the lotus flower and all the Bodhisattvas of the Avalokiteśvara class. The Holy Assembly of the Lotus Division all joyfully bestow empowerment and protectively keep one in mind. The radiant light of all the Bodhisattvas touches the body of the Practitioner, whereupon all sin-karmas are extinguished, and all the Bodhisattvas ever act as good companions.

4 ) Next, form the VAJRA-DIVISION SAMAYA MUDRA. Turn the left hand over on its side, with the palm facing outward. Place the back of the right hand against the back of the left hand. Bring the two thumbs and the two little fingers to hook one another like the shape of a Vajra pestle. Place the Mudra at the Heart, and visualize Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva. Recite the True Words 7 times, then release the Mudra at the left side of the crown of the head.

The True Words are: "Án_ Phộc nhật-lô nạp-bà phộc, sa-phộc hạ"

輆　向怵咼名伏　送扣

OMÏ VAJRA UDBHAVÀYA SVÀHÀ

By forming this Mudra and reciting the True Words, one immediately alerts all the Holy Assembly belonging to the Vajra Division to bestow empowerment and give support. All the sin-hindrances of the Practitioner are entirely extinguished, all illnesses and sufferings do not cling to the body, and so one obtains the adamantine Body of the Vajra.

5 ) Next, form the BODY-PROTECTION SAMAYA MUDRA. Interlace the two hands crosswise within, with the right pressing over the left. Raise straight the two middle fingers, bend the two index fingers like the shape of a hook so they do not touch the backs of the middle fingers, and take the two thumbs to press the two ring fingers, and it is at once formed. Press it upon the 5 places of the body, namely: the forehead, the right shoulder, the left shoulder, the heart, and the throat; then release the Mudra at the crown of the head. At each place recite the True Words once.

The True Words are: "Án_ Phộc nhật-la ngân-nễ, bát-la niệm bả-đá dã, sa-phộc hạ"

湡　向忝 狣蚱　盲司挕伏　送扣

OMÏ VAJRA AGNI PRADIPTAYA SVÀHÀ

By forming this Mudra and reciting the True Words for empowerment, one immediately becomes CLAD IN THE VAJRA ARMOR. All the Vināyakas, together with the Deva-Māras and the kinds of beings that cause obstruction, all flee and scatter in the four directions, for they behold the Practitioner radiating light, his body possessed of majestic virtue and sovereign mastery. If the Practitioner dwells in the mountains and forests and in places of peril and calamity, he has no fear whatsoever. All the calamities of water, fire, tigers, wolves, lions, blades, staves, cangues, fetters, and chains… are all extinguished. Those who behold him are joyful. After death he does not fall into the evil destinies but is born into the pure and sublime Buddha-Lands of the Buddhas.

6 ) Next, form the EARTH-BOUNDARY TRUE WORDS MUDRA. Insert the right ring finger inside the left little finger and left ring finger. Insert the right middle finger inside the left middle finger and left index finger. The left hand is likewise. The remaining fingers all join at their tips. Then visualize the Mudra forming into the shape of a Vajra pestle blazing with fierce fire (the Flame Vajra Pestle / Hūṃ-jvāla-vajra). Take the thumb to draw upon the surface of the ground; with each stroke recite the True Words, up to 3 times, then stop. According to the Mind's intent to demarcate large or small, the firm Earth-Boundary is at once established.

The True Words are: "Án_ Chỉ lị, chỉ lị, phộc nhật-la, phộc nhật-lị, bộ luật, mãn đà, mãn đà, hồng, phát tra"

湡　一印　一印　向忝　向忽　穴　楠神　向神　狫　民誆

OMÏ KILI KILI VAJRA VAJRI BHÙR BANDHA BANDHA HÙMÏ PHATÏ

By forming this Mudra and reciting the True Words to empower the Earth-Boundary, below as far as the Water Limit it becomes like a Vajra Seat. The Deva-Māras and the kinds of beings that cause obstruction cannot inflict harm or vexation, and using but a little exertion of effort one swiftly attains accomplishment.

7 ) Next, form the FOUR-QUARTERS VAJRA WALL TRUE WORDS MUDRA. Based upon the previous Earth-Boundary Mudra, open the two thumbs and raise them upright alongside like the shape of a wall. Visualize the Mudra as the shape of a Vajra pestle, turning it to the right around the body 3 times to signify the largeness or smallness of the Mind, and it at once becomes the firm citadel of the Vajra. Even the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not go against it, how much less the other kinds of beings difficult to subdue. The Vināyakas, together with the venomous insects and the kinds with sharp claws and keen fangs, cannot draw near.

The True Words are: "Án_ tát la tát la, phộc nhật-la, bát-la ca la, hồng, phát tra"

湡　屹先　屹先　向忝　盲一先　狫　民誆

OMÏ _ SARA SARA VAJRA PRAKARA HÙMÏ PHATÏ

8 ) The Practitioner should next visualize within the Maṇḍala, upon a great eight-petaled lotus flower, a Lion Throne. Upon the Throne is a pavilion-tower made of the 7 jewels, hung and draped with garlands (Mukti-hāra), silks and damasks, banners and canopies. Rows of jeweled trees are hung and draped with exquisite Heavenly Garments; clouds of incense pervade everywhere; rains pour down all manner of flowers; all kinds of music resound; jeweled vases, Argha-water, the supreme and sublime food and drink of the Devas, and lamps of Maṇi jewels are present. Having completed this visualization, then recite the Verse, saying:

By the power of My merit and virtue,

The empowering power of the Tathāgata,

Together with the power of the Dharma-Realm,

Having made offerings everywhere, I abide.

9 ) Having spoken this Verse, next form the GREAT ĀKĀŚA-GARBHA UNIVERSAL OFFERING MUDRA. Join the two hands, take the two middle fingers and interlace them crosswise on the outside, and let the two index fingers lean against each other and bend together like the shape of a jewel. Having completed forming the Mudra, recite the True Words 4 times.

The Universal Offering True Words are: "Án_ Nga nga nẵng, tam bà phạ phộc nhật-la, hộc"

湡 丫丫巧　戌矛向 向忝 趌

OMÏ _ GAGANA SAMÏBHAVA VAJRA HOHÏ

By reciting these True Words for empowerment, however many imagined offering-articles there are, they become no different from the true and real offering-articles. All the multitude of Worthies and Saints receive and enjoy them.

10 ) Next, form the JEWELED CHARIOT MUDRA. Interlace the two hands crosswise within, then turn the palms upward. Lay the index fingers horizontally leaning against each other, and place the two thumbs each resting beneath the roots of the index fingers. Visualize the seven-jeweled Chariot, with a Vajra throne upon the jeweled vehicle, relying upon Empty Space (Ākāśa) traveling to the Land of Ultimate Bliss (Sukhāvatī) of the Original Honored One. Recite the True Words 3 times.

The True Words are: "Án_ Đổ lỗ, đổ lỗ, hồng"

湡　加冰　加冰　狫

OMÏ_ TURU TURU HÙMÏ

By the empowerment of this True Words Mudra, the seven-jeweled Chariot travels to the land of the Original Honored One. Visualize the Original Honored One, together with all the Holy Assembly and the retinue surrounding them, seated upon the jeweled Chariot, coming to abide upon the empty space above the Place of Practice (Bodhimaṇḍa).

11 ) Next, form the INVITING THE CHARIOT MUDRA. Based upon the previous Mudra, draw the thumb toward the body and flick the tip of the middle finger. Recite the True Words 3 times.

The True Words are: "Ná ma tất-để-la-dã địa-vĩ ca nẫm, đát tha nghiệt đa nam. Án_ Phộc nhật-lãng ngân nễ-dã yết lợi-sa dã, sa-phộc hạ"

巧休　榑伏盎乙觡　屹楠 凹卡丫出觡　湡　向怪蚱伏　狣一溶伏　送扣

NAMAHÏ STRYADHVIKÀNÀMÏ TATHÀGATÀNÀMÏ OMÏ VAJRAMÏGNIYA AKARSÏAYA _ SVÀHÀ

By the empowerment of forming this True Words Mudra, the Holy Assembly travels from the Original Land to abide within the empty space of the Place of Practice.

12 ) Next, form the MUDRA OF INVITING THE ORIGINAL HONORED ONE'S SAMAYA TO DESCEND AND ARRIVE AT THE PLACE OF PRACTICE. Interlace the two hands crosswise within, then close them into a fist; bend the left thumb into the palm of the hand, then extend the right thumb toward the body to summon and invite.

The True Words are: "Án Nhĩ nẵng nhĩ ca Án, a lô lực ca Án, phộc nhật-la đặc-lặc ca A nghiệt xa, a nghiệt xa, sa-phộc hạ"

湡　元巧 元塴 湡　狣吐共塴 湡　向忝　呤塴 狣一溶 狣一溶 送扣

OMÏ JINA JIK OMÏ AROLIK OMÏ VAJRA DHRÏK AKARSÏA AKARSÏA _ SVÀHÀ

By the empowerment of this True Words Mudra, the Original Honored One does not transgress his Original Vow (Samaya) but at once comes to attend the assembly at the Place of Practice.

13 ) Next, one should expel and remove the kinds of beings that cause obstruction. Form the LOTUS-DIVISION VIDYĀRĀJA HAYAGRĪVA AVALOKITEŚVARA BODHISATTVA TRUE WORDS MUDRA. Join the two hands, bend the two index fingers and the two ring fingers into the palms of the hands so that the backs of the fingers lean against each other, and raise straight the two thumbs. Move the Mudra, turning it to the left 3 rounds, with the Mind visualizing the expelling and removing of the kinds of beings that cause obstruction. All the Māras, beholding this Mudra, flee and scatter in the four directions. Move this Mudra, turning it to the right 3 rounds, and the firm Fire-Boundary is at once established.

The True Words are: "Án_ A mật-ly đô nạp-bá phộc, hồng phát tra, sa-phộc hạ"

輆　　狣猵北咼向 嫟　民誆 送扣

OMÏ AMRÏTA UDBHAVA HÙMÏ PHATÏ SVÀHÀ

14 ) Next, form the UPPER-QUARTER VAJRA NET MUDRA. Based upon the previous Wall Mudra, bring the two thumbs to rest against the lower joints of the two index fingers, and recite the True Words 3 times. Raise the Mudra above the crown of the head, turn it to the right 3 rounds, and then stop.

The True Words are: "Án_ Vĩ sa-phổ la nại-lạc khất xoa, phộc nhật-la bán nhạ la, hồng phát tra"

湡　合卼先治朽　向忝　正介匡　狫　民誆

OMÏ _ VISPHURAD RAKSÏA VAJRA PAMÏJALA HÙMÏ PHATÏ

By forming the Net Mudra and reciting the True Words for empowerment, there is at once established the firm, indestructible net of the Vajra.

15 ) Next, form the FIRE-CLOISTER SECRET SEALING MUDRA. Bring the left hand to press over the back of the right hand, and raise the two thumbs. Recite the True Words 3 times, circling to the right around the body 3 rounds.

The True Words are: "Án_ A tam mang nghi-nễ, hồng phát tra"

湡　狣屹赩蚱　狫　民誆

OMÏ_ ASAMÀMÏGNI HÙMÏ PHATÏ

16 ) Next, offer the ARGHA FRAGRANT-WATER TRUE WORDS MUDRA. With both hands raise up the vessel, visualizing the washing of the feet of the Holy Assembly. Recite the True Words 3 times.

The True Words are: "Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Nga nga nẵng, sa mãng sa mãng, sa-phộc hạ"

巧休 屹亙琲 后盍觡袎丫丫巧　屹交屹亙 渢扣

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ GAGANA SAMA ASAMA SVÀHÀ

By offering the fragrant Argha water, the 3 karmas of the Practitioner become pure and the dust-defilements of the afflictions are washed away.

17 ) Next, form the LOTUS THRONE MUDRA. Join the two hands hollow in the middle, stretch open the two ring fingers, two middle fingers, and two index fingers, then slightly curl them like the shape of a lotus flower slightly opening into bloom. Right within the jeweled pavilion-tower, visualize all the Holy Assembly and the Original Honored One seated in their Original Positions with the retinue surrounding them, each and every one clearly. Recite the True Words 3 times.

The True Words are: "Án_ Ca ma la, sa-phộc hạ"

湡　一亙匡　送扣

OMÏ KAMALA SVÀHÀ

By forming the Lotus Throne Mudra and reciting the True Words, the Practitioner will obtain the fulfillment of the 10 Grounds (Bhūmis) and will obtain the Vajra Throne.

18 ) Next, form the UNIVERSAL OFFERING MUDRA. Join the two hands, with the right pressing over the left, and interlock the fingers, and it is at once formed. Recite the True Words 3 times, visualizing immeasurable, boundless cloud-seas of anointing incense, cloud-seas of flower-garlands, cloud-seas of burning incense, cloud-seas of food and drink, bright lamps… all becoming a vast, great, and pure offering.

The Universal Offering True Words are: "Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nam. Tát phộc tha khiếm, ôn ná ngiệt để, sa-phả la, tứ hàm, nga nga nẵng kiếm, sa-phộc hạ"

巧休屹亙阢后盍觡袎　屹楠卡　丈　栥怐包　剉先 扛伐　丫丫巧入　送扣

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ SARVATHÀ KHAMÏ UDGATE SPHARA HIMAMÏ GAGANAKAMÏ SVÀHÀ

As for the 18 Seal-Mudras, the Tradition records that they were devised by the Upādhyāya (Reverend Master) HUIGUO. Some say they were composed by the Great Master HŌNGFĂ (Kōbō Daishi). Nowadays, basing upon the catalogue of the Thirty-Booklet Volume "Tử," it is held that the latter portion of the Sūtra of the Great Holy Joyful Deva (Nandikeśvara) in 1 Scroll (translated by the Venerable AMOGHAVAJRA, having a sequence concerning the 18 Ways of Practice / Bodhimaṇḍa) — also called the Eighteen-Way True Words in Sanskrit Letters. The Great Master, basing upon these 2 records, examined and transcribed them thus.

CONDENSED RECITATION ON THE ARISING AND ORIGINATION OF THE EIGHTEEN SEAL-MUDRAS

1 ) The adorning of the Practitioner is of five kinds:

Purification, Buddha, Lotus, Vajra, and Donning Armor.

2 ) Concerning the Dharma of Sealing the Boundary, there are two kinds,

That is, the Earth-Sealing and the Vajra Wall.

3 ) The adorning of the Place of Practice is of two kinds:

The Place of Practice, and the Empty-Space Universal Offering.

4 ) Concerning the Dharma of Exhortation and Inviting, there are three kinds:

Dispatching the Chariot, Inviting the Chariot, and Reverent Inviting.

5 ) Concerning the Dharma of Sealing-Protection, there are three kinds:

The Vidyārāja of the Division, the Net, and the Fire-Cloister.

6 ) Concerning the Dharma of Offering, there are three kinds:

Argha, the Flower Throne, and the Universal Offering.

The first two Offerings are Particular Offerings,

Reverently presented and offered to the Original Honored One alone.

The latter one Offering is the General Offering,

Used to offer to the Original Honored One together with the Holy Assembly.

In all, six (6) General and twelve Particular — eighteen ritual procedures;

Their name is the Eighteen Seal-Mudras.

What is the sequence of their arising and origination?

Desiring to enter the Gate of the Secret Dhāraṇī (Total Retention),

First one should, through Regulation and Purification, adorn the body.

The body having been regulated, purified, and adorned,

One should also empower the Pure Boundary-Ground.

The Earth-Boundary having been empowered, cultivated, and set in order,

One must adorn the place of the Place of Practice.

The Place of Practice also having been adorned,

One should Invite the Original Honored One, the Great Holy Honored One.

The Holy Honored One having been reverently Invited,

With valor and diligent exertion, perform the Dharma of Sealing-Protection.

The Sealing-Protection, inner and outer, without obstruction,

Last of all, one must perform the Offering.

Not leaving that Throne, one accomplishes Siddhi.

– ) Translator's Note:

In this Sūtra-text, only 17 Seal-Mudras are explicitly recorded, because the eighth step, the Adorning of the Place of Practice, uses only the Dharma of Visualization and the recitation of the 4-line Verse, and does not use a True Words Mudra.

Now, basing upon Volume 2 of the Encyclopedia of Vietnamese Buddhism by Professor Lê Mạnh Thát, this eighth step is precisely the forming of the TATHĀGATA-FIST MUDRA. This step has the purpose of causing this World to become the World of Ultimate Bliss (Sukhāvatī).

The Practitioner forms the Tathāgata-Fist Mudra with the 4 fingers of the left hand closed into a Fist and the index finger raised straight. The right hand is closed into a Vajra-Fist pressing upon the nail of the left index finger, and one recites the True Words:

"Án, bộ khiếm"

湡　鉓 丈

OMÏ BHUHÏ KHAMÏ