施八方天儀則

As for making offerings to the Eight Devas, first prepare food and drink for the offering as follows: Cook a thick mixed porridge of five ingredients; do not make it thin. The five ingredients are white rice, mung beans, sesame, milk, and cow’s butter, all in equal proportions. Season the porridge to taste with a little salt.

It should first be ritually purified, then placed until full in a porcelain basin. Insert twelve small wax candles; grind white sandalwood; and place seasonal flowers and clean water at the place of offering. In each of the eight directions, anoint and form a small altar.

First place a small clean bowl. The porridge, incense, and flowers should each be held aloft by attendants as directed by the reciter. The Reciter should then single-mindedly invoke the Heavenly Kings of the eight directions and their retinues to descend to the Dharma site and each assume their proper position.

First, in the east, recite the Indra Mantra. Initially sprinkle a little clean water, then apply fragrant paste below it. Next place seasonal flowers below that, then the porridge below them, and then insert a wax candle into the porridge. Next offer burning incense three times, recite the mantra, and voice this supplication for protection: “May the Heavenly King joyfully bestow merit upon the patron of the Dharma site.”

_ Proceed to the southeast, the direction of Agni, and do likewise. Recite the respective deity’s mantra and make the offerings in sequence.

_ Next, in the south, is Yama Deva.

_ Next, in the southwest, is Rakshasa Deva.

_ Next, in the west, is Varuna Deva.

_ Next, in the northwest, is Vayu Deva.

_ Next, in the north, is Vaishravana Deva.

_ Next, in the northeast, is Ishana Deva.

Finally, retain a little leftover porridge and plenty of clean water. Into the porridge add a little cake, fruit, fragrant paste, and seasonal flowers. After combining them, recite the Amrita Mantra and empower them with the hand mudra. Have someone hold them aloft, carry them to a clean place, and scatter them upon the ground as alms for malevolent ghosts and spirits. Pray that they will joyfully protect the donor. Then cease looking into the distance and return to the original place.

1 ) Mantra of Indra Deva in the Eastern Direction:

Án, ấn nại la dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ INDRAYA SVÀHÀ

2 ) Mantra of Agni Deva in the Southeastern Direction:

Án, a ngật nẵng duệ, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ AGNAYE SVÀHÀ

3 ) Mantra of Yama Deva in the Southern Direction:

Án, diệm ma dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ YAMÏMAYA SVÀHÀ

4 ) Mantra of Rakshasa Deva in the Southwestern Direction:

Án, nãi lý để duệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ NRÏTYE SVÀHÀ

5 ) Mantra of Varuna Deva in the Western Direction:

Án, phộc lỗ noa dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ VARUNÏAYA SVÀHÀ

6 ) Mantra of Vayu Deva in the Northwestern Direction:

Án, phộc dã phệ, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ VAYAVE SVÀHÀ

7 ) Mantra of Vaishravana Deva in the Northern Direction:

Án, phệ thất la ma noa dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ VAI’SRAMANÏAYA SVÀHÀ

(Another version records: OMÏ VAI’SRAVANÏÀYA SVÀHÀ)

8 ) Mantra of Ishana Deva in the Northeastern Direction:

Án, I xá na dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ I’SANAYA SVÀHÀ

At each position, recite the respective mantra and clearly remember the order of the objects below. First comes water, then fragrant paste (perfumed oil), then flowers, porridge, candles, and burning incense…. When all positions have been completed, recite the Sumeru King Mantra twenty-one or thirty-five times to empower them. The mantra is:

Án, tô mê lỗ yết sáp ba dã. Án, tố lỗ, tố lỗ, bát la tố lỗ, bát la tố lỗ, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ SUMERU KARPAYA OMÏ, SURU SURU, PRASURU PRASURU SVÀHÀ

The collective offering is then complete. Afterward wash the hands, make further offerings within the Dharma site, dismiss and respectfully escort the Holy Assembly, and remove the offerings. Then wipe the altar clean.

Mantra of Brahma Deva in the Upper Direction (as in Taking Refuge):

Án, một la hám ma ninh, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ BRAHMANE SVÀHÀ

(Another version records: OMÏ BRAHMANÏI SVÀHÀ)

Mantra of Earth Deva in the Lower Direction:

Án, táp lị thể vĩ duệ, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ PRÏTHIVYAI SVÀHÀ

(Another version records: OMÏ PRÏTHIVÌYE SVÀHÀ)

The six objects beginning with water should each be held aloft in the hands of one person. Thereafter, proceed according to what is being offered. When the offering is complete, have the person stand upright at the final offering position. In this sequence, the wax candles should be collected with attentive care. When the offering is finished, they must not be allowed to become defiled.

Mantra of the Sun Deva:

Án, sa ha tát la kế la nam, hồng, đô lê, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ SAHASRA KERANAMÏ HÙMÏ TULE SVÀHÀ

Mantra of the Moon Deva:

Án, tố ma, bát la bệ, hồng, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ SRAMA PRABHE HÙMÏ SVÀHÀ

(Another version records: OMÏ SOMA PRABHE HÙMÏ SVÀHÀ)

Amrita Mantra:

Nẵng mô tố lỗ bá dã, đát tha ngiệt đa dã. Đát nễ dã tha : Án, tô lỗ, bát la tô lỗ, bát la tô lỗ, sa phộc hạ

NAMO SURUPAYA TATHÀGATÀYA

TADYATHÀ : OMÏ SURÙ PRASURÙ PRASURÙ SVÀHÀ

Mantra for Bestowing Food and Drink:

Nẵng mô tát phộc đát tha nghiệt đa phộc lộ chỉ đế. Án, bà la bà la, tam bà la tam bà la, hồng

NAMO SARVA TATHÀGATA AVALOKITE

OMÏ BHARA BHARA SAMÏBHARA SAMÏBHARA HÙMÏ

If someone seeks all manner of auspicious affairs, the Dharma site must be established within one day. During the first watch of the night, offerings should be made to the Heavenly Kings of the eight directions, Brahma Deva, Earth Deva, the constellations and luminaries, ghosts and spirits, and so forth. Afterward, dismiss the Holy Assembly.

When beginning to dismantle the Dharma site, act according to this Dharma. Then all sages and holy beings will be joyful, causing merit and auspiciousness to be bestowed.

RITUAL PROCEDURE FOR MAKING OFFERINGS TO THE EIGHT DEVAS (End)

10/01/1998

Esoteric Canon, Volume 4 _ No. 1295 (pp. 380–382)

DHARMA FOR MAKING OFFERINGS TO THE EIGHT WORLD-PROTECTING DEVAS

Chinese text: Qinglong Monastery _ Compiled by the śramaṇa PHÁP TOÀN

Vietnamese translation: HUYỀN THANH

The Susiddhikara Sutra states: “A practitioner who cultivates mantras and daily makes offerings to the direction-protecting devas and spirits will certainly suffer no calamities.”

In the eight directions outside the Dharma site, spread kuśa grass or lotus leaves. Alternatively, anoint a circular altar and divide it into ten positions. Install Brahma Deva and Earth Deva to the left and right of Indra.

If there is no place outside the Dharma site to establish these positions, establish the directional boundary in a quiet place before the Dharma site. In the center amid the eight directions, install Brahma Deva and Earth Deva. For the food offered to the devas of the ten directions, mixed porridge should be used, namely white rice and sesame.

First set down a clean leaf and make it entirely pure. Fill a vessel with delicious, fragrant food. At each seat, first place a clean leaf or a clean teacup.

Initially fill a clean vase with scented water. Then kneel, join the palms, and invoke the worldly devas of the ten directions.

I reverently invite Lord Kauśika of the eastern direction and all his retinues to descend to this place where I have arranged these offerings. May you compassionately accept them.

I reverently invite the fire seers and others of the southeastern direction and all their retinues to descend to this place where I have arranged these offerings. May you compassionately accept them.

I reverently invite Lord Yama of the southern direction, the lord of the rakshasas, King Bhuta Deva, Varuna Deva, the Dragon Kings, the kings of the wind spirits, King Vaishravana Deva, King Ishana Deva, and Great King Brahma Deva.

I reverently invite all the great spirit kings dwelling upon the earth and all their retinues to descend to this place where I have arranged these offerings. May you compassionately accept them.

_ I further pray: May the exalted ones empower and protect me. (Mentally visualize the deity of the respective direction and make the inquiry clearly.)

_ Subsequent Invocation: Next invoke the worldly devas by their Sanskrit names.

_ Ishana Deva of the northeast, his retinues, and the hosts of bhutas: Summoning Mudra: Form the Samadhi Fist (left fist), extend Fire (middle finger), and bend it over the back of Wind (index finger). The Ishana Mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Án, lỗ nại-la dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ OMÏ RUDRÀYA SVÀHÀ

Visualize all the Heavenly Kings who protect the directions descending from their celestial palaces to this place. According to their respective directional positions, display the mind-sign and cause them to be seated.

_ Indra: Mudra: Inward Binding, with the two Wind fingers (index fingers) extended like needles. The Mantra of Heavenly King Indra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Thước cật-la dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ ‘SÀKRÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ Fire Seer: Form the Samadhi Fist (left fist), with Fire (middle finger) and Space (thumb) touching each other. With Wisdom (right hand), extend the four wheels (four fingers), place the Space Degree (thumb) horizontally across the palm, bend Wind (index finger), and summon three times. The Agni Deva Mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. A nghĩ-nẵng duệ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ AGNÀYE SVÀHÀ

_ Yama: Join Samadhi and Wisdom (the two hands), placing the backs of Earth (little fingers) and Wind (index fingers) together within the palms. The Mantra of King Yama is:

Nẵng mạc tam mạn đa một đà nẫm. Phộc phộc sa phộc đa dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ VAIVA SVATÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ Rakshasa: Wrathful in form, dwelling in the southwest and holding a sword. The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. La cật-sát sa địa ba bả đa, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ RAKSÏASA ADHIPATÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ Varuna Deva: Holding a rope. The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. A bá bát đa duệ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ APA PATÀYE SVÀHÀ

_ Vayu, the Wind Deva: Fierce. Form the Wisdom Fist (right fist) and extend Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). The Vayu Deva Mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa mẫu đà nẫm. Phộc dã phệ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ VÀYAVE SVÀHÀ

_ Vaishravana: Join the palms with a hollow center; interlace the two Earth fingers (little fingers) within the palms; extend Space (thumbs) and bend them beside Wind (index fingers), about one inch apart. The mantra of Heavenly King Vaishravana is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa mẫu đà nẫm. Vị thất-la ma noa dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ VAI’SRAVANÏÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ Brahma Deva: Holding a red lotus. With Samadhi (left hand), Space (thumb) holds Water (ring finger). The Mantra of King Brahma is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa mẫu đà nẫm. Bát-la nhạ bát đá duệ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ PRAJAPATAYE SVÀHÀ

_ Earth Spirit: Holding a precious vase. The Earth Spirit Mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mạn đa mẫu đà nẫm. Bát-la thể phệ duệ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ PRÏTHIVÌYE SVÀHÀ

_ Sun Deva: With Merit and Wisdom (the two hands), turn Water (ring fingers) upward; Space (thumbs) closely holds the Fire Wheels (middle fingers), as though they are to be joined together. Water (ring fingers) and Fire (middle fingers) hold one another. The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mạn đa mẫu đà nẫm. A nễ đát-dã dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ ÀDITYÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ Moon Deva: The Samadhi Hand (left hand) holds a white lotus; Space (thumb) presses the tip joint of Fire (middle finger). The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mạn đa mẫu đà nẫm. Chiến nại-la dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ CANDRÀYA SVÀHÀ

_ State the names and reverently declare: “Heavenly Kings who protect the directions, spirits of the twelve zodiacal palaces, the nine great planetary devas, the twenty-eight lunar mansions, the officers of the dark palace governing karmic paths, and the lord of my natal constellation: I now encounter this calamity and am oppressed by the circumstance of (…). I respectfully request that the celestial assembly, following the Buddha’s decree and accepting my invitation, all come to attend this gathering. With sincere and joyful resolve, help me, (name…), bring calamities and obstructions to an end and increase my merit and longevity.”

Or say: “Beginning today, I shall practice the mantra. I wish to rely upon the protective mindfulness of the Holy Assembly to uproot the painful karma of samsara for ourselves and all sentient beings. May the world-protecting heavenly lords and the constellations and luminaries that traverse space follow the Buddha’s wheel of command, grant me fearlessness, and cause me to dwell in peace and happiness.”

_ Next offer clean scented water, placing a little water upon a lotus leaf as an offering. The mantra is:

Án, a mật-lị đế, hồng, phán tra

OMÏ _ AMRÏTE HÙMÏ PHATÏ

_ The Mantra for Fragrant Paste: With the middle and ring fingers, flick a little fragrant paste and offer the mild flavor.

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Vĩ thú đà nga đố nạp-bà phộc, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ VI’SUDDHA UDBHÀVA SVÀHÀ

_ The Flower Garland Mantra: Interlace the fingers, turn the palms upward and place them upon the forehead, then rotate them toward the right.

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Ma hạ muội đát-lị dã, vĩ-dữu nạp nghiệt đế, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ MAHÀ MAITRIYA ABHUYUDGATE SVÀHÀ

_ The Burning Incense Mantra: Place the backs of Earth (little fingers), Water (ring fingers), and Fire (middle fingers) together; join the two Wind fingers (index fingers) along their sides; and open Space (thumbs), pressing them upon the Wind Wheels (index fingers).

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Đạt ma đà đát-phộc noa nghiệt đế, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ DHARMADHÀTU ANUGATE SVÀHÀ

_ The Food and Drink Mantra: Secret Joining (join closely).

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. A la la, ca la la, mạt lân nại ná nhĩ, mạt nại nễ, ma hạ mạt lịch, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ ARARA CARARA VALIMÏDADA ME , VALIMÏDADE MAHÀ VALEHÏ SVÀHÀ

_ The Lamp Mantra: Clench the right hand into a fist; extend the Fire Wheel (middle finger) and the nail of Space (thumb); Wind (index finger) presses against the middle joint of Fire (middle finger).

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa một đà nẫm. Đát tha nghiệt đa la-chỉ, sa-phả la ninh, phộc bà sa nẵng, nga nga như na lị-dã, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ TATHÀGATA ARCI SPHARANÏA VABHASANA GAGANA UDÀRYA SVÀHÀ

_ The Universal Offering Mantra of Akashagarbha Bodhisattva is:

Nẵng mạc tát phộc đát tha nghiệt đế biều, vĩ thấp-phộc mục khế tệ. Tát phộc tha khiếm, ô ná nghiệt đế, sa phả nễ hàm, nga nga ná câu, sa-bà hạ

NAMAHÏ SARVA TATHÀGATEBHYU _ VI’SVA MUKHEBHYAHÏ

SARVATHÀ KHAMÏ UDGATE SPHARA HÌMAMÏ GAGANAKAMÏ SVÀHÀ

Visualize all the world-protecting Heavenly Kings descending from their celestial palaces to this place. According to their respective directional positions, display the mind-sign and cause them to be seated.

State their names and reverently declare: “World-protecting Heavenly Kings, spirits of the twelve zodiacal palaces, the nine great planetary devas, the twenty-eight lunar mansions, the officers of the dark court governing karmic paths, and the lord of my natal constellation:

I now encounter a calamity and am oppressed by the circumstance of (…). I respectfully request that the celestial assembly, following the Buddha’s decree and accepting my invitation, all come to attend this gathering. With sincere and joyful resolve, help me, (named…), bring calamities and obstructions to an end and increase my merit and longevity.

(Or say: From today onward, while I recite the mantra [name…], protect the Dharma site and eliminate obstacles and calamities. Other matters [state clearly what they are…].)

I rely upon the protective mindfulness of the Great Holy Ones to uproot the painful karma of samsara for ourselves and all sentient beings. May the direction-protecting heavenly lords and the constellations and luminaries that traverse space follow the Buddha’s wheel of command, grant me fearlessness, and cause me to dwell in peace and happiness.”

After completing the invocation, next offer a clean vase and scented water upon a leaf.

_ Next take one flower and place it upon the seat. The flower offering is called Pusïpamï.

_ Burn incense before the seat. In Sanskrit, burning incense is called dhùpamï.

_ Next place a handful of porridge upon the leaf. This is also called Valimï.

_ Next insert a small wax lamp into the porridge. In Sanskrit: Dìpamï, pùja, ‘Srì Devaputrasïya, ‘Sànti, kuru, svàhà.

For each deity, offer everything from water through the lamp, and conclude the offering in this manner.

_ Next, when mentally offering that lamp to the deities, do not allow it to go out before the rite has been completed. If necessary, have assistants, each assigned to one task, help perform the offering. If each item is taken up individually by oneself, there is concern that the lamp may fail to last until the Dharma rite is completed, which is feared to be inauspicious.

Then clearly state the matter being sought. One may circumambulate or sit quietly and recite the Great Auspicious Mantra twenty-one times. Also recite the Buddha’s Compassionate Protection Mantra 108 times. Use this recitation to increase the benefit of the devas. May the celestial music become ever more sublime.

If the offerings have not been presented according to the Dharma, may you compassionately grant me your joyful acceptance.

_ The master should hold the incense burner and ask that all be joyful, praying that there be no calamity. Speak the verse and recite the vidya dismissing the heavenly lords: “Devas possessed of awesome spiritual power and mastery, I now pray that my request may swiftly be accomplished. May the heavenly lords return to their respective palaces. If invited hereafter, please compassionately come.”

Án , Cát lý, cát lý, phộc nhật-la, mục, sa-phộc hạ

OMÏ KÌLIKÌLA VAJRA MUHÏ SVÀHÀ

_ Next bestow food upon all ghosts and spirits.

The Susiddhikara Sutra states: “Furthermore, Subahu! If a reciter wishes to attain accomplishment and practices the various Dharmas so that there will be no obstacles or calamities and siddhi will be attained, one should take various foods and sacrificial offerings for the devas, asuras, yakshas, Dragon Kings, garudas, jivajivaka birds, kata-putanas, gandharvas, bhutas, ghostly beings, and others, whether upon the earth or in space. They will cause the reciter to encounter no calamities, and all sought-after aspirations will be fulfilled. Form the mantra mudra to establish firm protection, kneel with the right knee touching the ground, and speak this invocation:

“Devas and bhutas dwelling upon Mount Sumeru, in the Garden of Delight, or in other celestial palaces; or upon the sun or moon; or in rivers and seas; or in pools, marshes (places where much water accumulates), lakes, and wells; or in villages; or in shrines to spirits; or in empty houses; or in celestial dwellings; or in monasteries and caityas (worship stupas); or in thatched hermitages; or in chambers; or in storehouses; or at crossroads; or beside great crossroads; or at solitary great trees; or upon great roads; or in burial grounds; or in charnel forests; or in great forests; or in places traversed by lions and great creatures; or in great deserts; or in the most sublime places of rivers and seas….

I greet all who dwell in these places. Together with your retinues, descend to this place where I have arranged garlands, fragrant paste, food and drink, and wondrous bright lamps. May you cast your beneficent influence so that the matter for which I pray may attain its complete result.”

_ Then use a copper vessel or a clean vase to hold every kind of delicious sweet food, fruits, walnuts, and so forth. All should be crushed and empowered fourteen or twenty-one times. Also recite the Mantra of the Tathagata Wondrous Form Body to empower the water, then sprinkle it. Again recite the Universal Offering Mudra and Vidya, sincerely directing the aspiration that the place of worship and its incense, flowers, and food become vast, refined, and wondrous. Also recite this verse:

By the merit that I cultivate,

May all the ghostly realms be universally imbued.

Having eaten, may they be freed from hunger and thirst;

May they cast off their bodies and go to a realm of bliss.

Then carry the offering outside. Either place it in a clean location outside the dwelling or cast it into the waters of a great river as an offering of food to ghosts and spirits who have neither name nor rank. The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mãn đa mẫu đà nam. Ấn ná-la dã, cật-lị hận-noa, y hàm, át kiềm, hiến diễm, bổ sắt kiềm , độ bổ-cam, ma lâm, nễ bổ-cam, bố nhạ, thất-lị nê phộc bổ đát-la tả, phiến để, câu lỗ, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ , INDRÀYA GRÏHNÏA IMÀMÏ ÀRGHAMÏ , GANDHAMÏ , PUSÏPAMÏ , DHÙPAMÏ , VALIMÏ, DÌPAMÏ… PÙJA , ‘SRÌ DEVAPUTRASÏYA ‘SÀNTI KURU SVÀHÀ

In summary: “Homage to all Buddhas and to Indra. Please accept these offerings of arghya water, fragrant paste, flower garlands, burning incense, porridge, food, and bright lamps. May the auspicious divine prince help me, (named…), bring calamities to an end, increase merit and wisdom, and attain complete well-being.” Then say “Sa-phộc hạ” (Svàhà).

(Translator’s note: The summary above is the translation of the preceding mantra for offering food to ghosts and spirits.)

_ Mantras, Mudras, and Other Rites for Making Offerings to the Heavenly Kings of the Ten Directions

Whenever one receives the various Dharmas, completes a prescribed period of recitation, or performs Homa, abhisheka, and so forth, one should make offerings to the devas and will swiftly be free from calamities. The verse says:

Contemplate the mind producing the Dharma realm,

Forming the fundamental wrathful altar,

Triangular, in the form of a naga,

Blazing with fire to protect Brahma Deva.

The Three Families are next formed and recited;

The Guiding Cord and the four invocations.

Forming the body, recite three times,

Or again recite single-mindedly.

When the rite is finished and the vows have been made,

Then form the mudra of each honored one of the respective direction.

Recite each respective mantra

And escort away the holy direction-protecting devas.

When recitation according to the Dharma is complete,

And the praises and vows are finished,

Dissolve the boundary and escort away the holy devas;

Only then leave the Dharma site.

_ At the eight corners, anoint a circular altar,

Then establish ten holy positions.

To Indra’s left and right,

Place Brahma Deva and Earth Deva.

Or again, in the Dragon Direction (the west),

Place Brahma and Earth facing one another.

_ At the positions of the Sun Deva and Moon Deva,

The constellations and luminaries all revolve accordingly.

_ At the central position, visualize the Four-Armed

Immovable Wrathful King.

His two hands form Vajra Fists;

Wind (index finger) and Earth (little finger) bend like hooks.

Place them on either side of the mouth.

The right second hand holds a hook, the left second hand a rope.

Mount Sumeru serves as his seat.

Outside his body appear eight sharp

Vajra Wheels,

Filled with an emerald-blue color.

His hair is disheveled, and flower garlands hang down.

His fierce flames are like the conflagration at the end of an eon.

His bearing is like Garudïa, the golden-winged bird,

So awe-inspiring that none can withstand him.

Māras and their lords

Flee in terror.

Relying upon the power of his ancient great vow,

He manifests a fierce and violent form,

Devours every obstruction and affliction,

And grants security to the practitioner.

_ When the directional positions have been arranged,

Offer mixed porridge.

Take white rice and sesame,

Mix them with mung beans, and cook them.

_ Then, at each altar position,

Place a ceramic vessel.

First use clean scented water

And pour a little into the vessel.

Next raise it up and respectfully offer it,

Flicking it with the fingers.

_ Again offer renowned flowers,

Then burn incense and respectfully offer it.

Next take a handful of porridge,

In every case with a deeply reverent mind,

And empower each offering three times.

_ Next take a small wax lamp

And insert it into the porridge.

Until the rite has been completed,

Do not allow this lamp to go out.

_ Above the syllable of quiescent extinction,

Add words expressing the prayer.

The Six Holy Ones secretly grant protection,

And all that is undertaken will be accomplished.

This supports the practice;

That particular vow will also be fulfilled.

_ When wishing to invite and make offerings,

Display the mind-sign and cause them to assume their seats.

Make offerings according to the Dharma,

With a mind resolute and free from doubt;

Every aspiration will be fulfilled.

_ Among the nine planets, the Sun is lord;

Among the constellations, the Moon is lord.

The mudras of Brahma and Earth

Will now be explained in sequence.

_ An eight-petaled red lotus

Is the Brahma Mudra.

_ The Ten Degrees (ten fingers) are like an arghya vessel:

This is the Earth Deva Mudra.

_ With Samadhi (left hand), grasp the wrist of Wisdom (right hand).

Wisdom (right hand) extends the five Wheels (five fingers).

The Space Wheel (thumb) lies horizontally across the palm.

Wind (index finger) hooks back and forth:

This is the Mudra for Inviting and Sending Forth Agni Deva.

_ With Meditation (right thumb), press the Precept Degree (right ring finger),

And flick outward three times:

This is the Sending-Forth Mudra.

The mantras are as stated in the sutra.

Sanskrit names and Chinese meanings: The Tathagata’s Ten Epithets of Merit

Đát tha nga đố (Tathagata) _ TATHÀGATA

La hãn (Worthy of Offerings) _ ARHAT

Tam miệu tam mẫu đà (Perfectly and Completely Awakened) _ SAMYAKSAMÏBUDDHA

Vĩ nễ-gia giả la thảm bán noa (Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct) _ VIDYÀ CARANÏA SAMÏPANNA

Tố nga đố (Well-Gone One) _ SUGATA

Lộ ca vĩ (Knower of the World) _ LOKA VID

Đố noa đát-la (Unsurpassed One) _ ANUTTARA

Bổ lỗ sái ná nhĩ gia tỳ la để (Tamer of Beings) _ PURUSÏA DAMYASÀRATHI

Xả tỳ đá nê phộc nan tả ma noa sử gia nan giả (Teacher of Devas and Humans) _ ‘SASÏTÏA DEVA MANUSÏYANÀMÏCA

Mẫu độ (Buddha) _ BUDDHA

Bạc nga noan (Blessed One) _ BHAGAVAMÏ

_ Sequence for Making Offerings to the Devas:

First, outside the Dharma site, spread kuśa grass, lotus leaves, green grass, or the like. Anoint the altar and prepare the six offerings, wax lamps, and so forth.

_ Next establish the seats, form the Three Families, don the armor, and protect the body.

_ Next empower scented water (use the Kilikila Mudra and Vidya twenty-one times, then sprinkle the four directions and the offerings).

_ Next use the Karma Mudra to empower them seven times.

_ Next empower the altar (use the Kilikila Vidya seven or twenty-one times).

_ Next purify the ground (as in the Great Rite).

_ Next make the Five Great Vows, state the matter, recite the prajnaparamita scriptures, and increase the benefit of the devas and others.

_ Next perform the Great Wheel Vajra Mudra and Vidya, the Earth Altar, and so forth.

_ Next visualize the syllable (HAMÏ) within the altar transforming into a single-pronged vajra. The vajra transforms into the Four-Armed Vidyaraja (as explained in the Homa rite).

_ Next recite the Four-Syllable Vidya. Visualize the honored one who has always abided merging with the honored one empowered within the altar, exalted and united in nonduality.

_ Next, according to each direction, invoke them by reciting the Great Hook of Summoning Mudra and Vidya. The mantra is:

Nẵng mạc tam mạn đa một đà nẫm. A, tát phộc đát-la, bát-la để ha đế. Đát tha nghiệt đương củ xa, mạo địa chiết lị-dã , bát lị bố la ca, sa-phộc hạ

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ AHÏ SARVATRA APRATIHATE TATHÀGATA ANÕKU’SA BODHICARYA PARIPÙRAKA _ SVÀHÀ

_ Next recite their Sanskrit names and reverently invite them.

_ Next kneel and recite the exhortation to meet them in Chinese.

_ Next recite the Praise of the Four Wisdoms.

_ Next offer arghya to Acala Vidyaraja.

_ Next perform the Seat Mudra.

_ Next, the Net.

_ Next, the Flame.

_ Next offer fragrant paste, flowers, and burning incense. As in ordinary recitation, present them to the honored Acala.

_ Next make individual offerings to the devas and others. (According to each directional position, a vessel and an arghya vase may be placed for each one. Recite the respective Vidya three times each day.)

_ Next recite the Universal Offering Vidya.

_ Next form the mudra and empower the five places.

_ Next recite Acala’s Compassionate Rescue Mantra 108 times. Pray earnestly until the full count is reached. As before, form the Protection and Repentance rites.

_ Next recite the mantra of the principal deity governing the affair 108 or 1,080 times. It may be recited to bestow protective aid upon the donor.

_ Next recite the Tathagata’s Compassionate Protection Mantra 108 times.

_ Again recite the Mantra of the Great Auspicious Deva 108 times.

_ Next make offerings to Acala Vidyaraja.

_ Next recite the Universal Offering Vidya to make offerings to the Vidyaraja, the honored ones of the ocean-wide assembly throughout worlds as numerous as dust motes, the world-protecting devas, and others.

_ Next recite the Praise of the Four Wisdoms and the Praise of the Eight Classes of Devas and Dragons.

_ Next dedicate the merit.

_ Next dissolve the boundary, dissolving each part as stated in the verse.

_ Next offer arghya.

_ Next dismiss them.

_ Next protect the body with the Three Families.

Then leave the Dharma site as before.

END

22/07/2004

Esoteric Canon, Volume 4 _ No. 1296 (pp. 382–383)

RITUAL MANUAL OF THE TEN DEVAS

Vietnamese translation: HUYỀN THANH

Mudra of Ishvara Deva in the Northeastern Direction:

Clench the right hand into a fist and place it at the waist. Extend the five fingers of the left hand straight and joined together; bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). Keep Fire (middle finger), Wind (index finger), and Space (thumb) each slightly apart. This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Nẵng ma tam mãn đá bột đà nam. Án, I xá nẵng duệ, sa phộc ha

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ OMÏ I’SÀNAYE SVÀHÀ

Alternatively, the mantra is: “Án lỗ nại la gia, sa bà ha”

OMÏ RUDRÀYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Indra Deva in the Eastern Direction:

The right hand is as before. Extend the five fingers of the left hand straight and joined together; bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). Place Wind (index finger) against the back of Fire (middle finger), and bend the middle joint of Space (thumb). The mantra is:

Án, nhân nại la gia, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ INDRÀYA SVÀHÀ

Another mantra is: “Án, chước yết tha, sa phộc ha”

OMÏ ‘SÀKRA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Agni Deva in the Southeastern Direction:

Clench the left hand into a fist and place it at the left waist. Extend the five fingers of the right hand straight and joined together. Bend Space (thumb) against the palm; bend the middle joint of Wind (index finger) and summon together with Svàhà. The mantra is:

Án, a ngã na duệ, sa bà ha

OMÏ AGNÀYE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Yama Deva in the Southern Direction:

Join the two palms. Bend the middle joints of the two Earth fingers (little fingers) so that their backs touch. Likewise, bend the two Wind fingers (index fingers) so their backs touch, and use the two thumbs to press the middle joints of the two Wind fingers (index fingers). This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, diễm ma gia, sa phộc ha

OMÏ YAMÏMAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Rakshasa Deva in the Southwestern Direction:

Clench the right hand into a fist and place it at the waist. Extend the five fingers of the left hand straight and joined together; bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). Use the tip of Space (thumb) to press the nails of Earth and Water (little and ring fingers). This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, địa lị để duệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ NRÏTYE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Varuna Deva in the Western Direction:

The right hand is as before. Clench the left hand into a fist, placing Space (thumb) within the palm. Extend Wind (index finger) straight, then slightly bend its middle joint. This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, phộc lỗ noa gia, sa phộc ha

OMÏ VARUNÏAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Vayu Deva in the Northwestern Direction:

The right hand is as before. Extend the five fingers of the left hand straight and joined together, then bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, phộc gia phệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ VAYÀVE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Vaishravana Deva in the Northern Direction:

Join the palms so that all ten fingers interlace within them. Extend the two Water fingers (ring fingers) straight so that their tips touch; slightly bend and stiffen the two Wind fingers (index fingers). Insert the left Space finger (left thumb) into the right palm and press the nail of the left Fire finger (left middle finger). Insert the right Space finger (right thumb) into the left palm, crossing over the back of the left Space finger (left thumb), and press the right Fire finger (right middle finger). With the two Wind fingers (index fingers) and the syllable HA, perform the invocation. The mantra is:

Án, phệ thất la phộc na gia, sa phộc ha

OMÏ VAI’SRAVANÏAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Brahma Deva in the Upper Direction:

Clench the right hand into a fist and place it at the right waist. Extend the five fingers of the left hand straight and joined together, bend them slightly, then raise the hand a little above the eyebrows, thereby forming the aspect of a lotus. The mantra is:

Án, Một la hàm ma ninh, sa phộc ha b

OMÏ BRAHMANÏE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Earth Deva in the Lower Direction:

Join the palms. The four fingers from Wind (index fingers) downward touch tip to tip, opening widely toward the front; the two Space fingers (thumbs) each touch the sides of Wind (index fingers). The mantra is:

Án, tất-lị thể vĩ duệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ PRÏTHIVÌYE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Sun Deva:

It does not differ from the preceding Earth Mudra, except that the tips of the two Wind fingers (index fingers) each press the lower joints of Water (ring fingers). The mantra is:

Án, A nễ để dã , sa phộc ha

OMÏ ÀDITYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Moon Deva:

As in the preceding Brahma Deva Mudra, visualize the form of a pure white moon within the palm. The mantra is:

Án, chiến nại la dã , sa phộc ha

OMÏ CANDRAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Seven Luminaries:

Join the palms so that all ten fingers touch one another, while fully spreading apart the two Wind fingers (index fingers) and the two Earth fingers (little fingers). The mantra is:

Nghiệt-la hê thấp-phộc lị gia bát-la bá-đa nhi-dụ để la ma gia, sa phộc ha

OMÏ GRAHE’SVARYA PRÀPTA JYOTIRMAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions:

Join the palms with a hollow center. Interlace the two Fire fingers (middle fingers) externally, and likewise interlace the two Space fingers (thumbs). The mantra is:

Nhược khất-sai đát-la niết tô na nễ duệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ NAKSÏATRA NIRJA DANIYE SVÀHÀ

RITUAL FOR MAKING OFFERINGS TO THE TEN DEVAS (End)