施八方天儀則

In making offerings to the Eight Devas, first prepare the food and drink for offering: cook a thick mixed porridge of five flavors; do not make it thin. The five ingredients are ordinary rice, mung beans, sesame, milk, and cow’s butter, in equal quantities. Season the porridge to taste with a little salt.

It should be ritually purified and then placed in a porcelain basin. Insert twelve small wax candles, grind white sandalwood, and place seasonal flowers and pure water at the offering place. In each of the eight directions, prepare a small altar.

First place a small clean bowl. The porridge, incense, and flowers should each be held aloft by an attendant in accordance with the reciter’s directions. The reciter should then single-mindedly invoke the Deva Kings of the eight directions and their retinues to descend to the place of practice and each assume their proper position.

First, in the eastern direction, recite the mantra of Indra. Sprinkle a little pure water, then apply fragrant paste below it. Next place seasonal flowers below that, then the porridge, and then insert a wax candle into the porridge. Next offer burning incense three times while reciting the mantra and making this supplication for protection: “May the Deva King joyfully bestow merit upon the patron of this place of practice.”

_ Proceed to the southeast, the direction of the Fire Deva, 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 the Water Deva.

_ Next, in the northwest, is the Wind Deva.

_ Next, in the north, is Vaishravana Deva.

_ Next, in the northeast, is Ishana Deva.

Finally, retain a little leftover porridge and plenty of pure water. Mix into the porridge a little cake, fruit, fragrant paste, and seasonal flowers. After gathering these together, recite the Amrita Mantra and empower them with the hand mudra. Have someone hold them aloft, carry them to a pure place, and scatter them upon the ground as alms for malevolent ghosts and spirits. May they joyfully protect the donor. Thus their distant expectation is brought to an end, and they should return to their former abodes.

1 ) Mantra of Indra Deva in the Eastern Direction:

Án, ấn nại la dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ INDRAYA SVÀHÀ

2 ) Mantra of the Fire 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 the Water Deva in the Western Direction:

Án, phộc lỗ noa dã, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ VARUNÏAYA SVÀHÀ

6 ) Mantra of the Wind 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 gives: 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 is water; next fragrant paste (perfumed oil); next flowers; next porridge; next a candle; next burning incense… After completing all positions, recite the Mantra of King Sumeru 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 general offering is then complete. Afterward, wash the hands and again make offerings within the place of practice. Dismiss and respectfully escort the Sacred Assembly. Remove the offerings and 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 gives: OMÏ BRAHMANÏI SVÀHÀ)

Mantra of the Earth Deva in the Lower Direction:

Án, táp lị thể vĩ duệ, sa phộc hạ

OMÏ PRÏTHIVYAI SVÀHÀ

(Another version gives: OMÏ PRÏTHIVÌYE SVÀHÀ)

The six articles, beginning with water, should each be held aloft by an attendant. They are then offered as appropriate. When the offerings are complete, the attendant should stand upright at the final offering position. In this sequence, the wax candles should be collected mindfully. After the offering, the place 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 gives: 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 auspiciousness in all undertakings, the place of practice must be established within one day. At the beginning of the night, offerings should be made to the Deva Kings of the eight directions, Brahma Deva, the Earth Deva, the constellations and luminaries, ghosts, spirits, and so forth. Afterward, dismiss the Sacred Assembly.

When beginning to dismantle the place of practice, if one acts according to this Dharma, all sages and holy beings will rejoice, causing merit and auspiciousness to be bestowed.

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

10/01/1998

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

DHARMA OF MAKING OFFERINGS TO THE EIGHT WORLD-PROTECTING DEVAS

Chinese text: Qīnglóng Monastery _ compiled by the śramaṇa PHÁP TOÀN

Vietnamese translation: HUYỀN THANH

The Susiddhikara Sutra states: “A practitioner who cultivates the mantras and daily makes offerings to the directional guardian devas will certainly encounter no calamity.”

In the eight directions outside the place of practice, spread kuśa grass or lotus leaves. Alternatively, plaster a circular altar and divide it into ten positions. Place Brahma Deva and the Earth Deva to the left and right of Indra.

If there is no room outside the place of practice for these positions, establish the directional boundary in a quiet place before the place of practice. In the center among the eight directions, install Brahma Deva and the Earth Deva. The food offered to the devas of the ten directions should be mixed porridge, made from ordinary rice and sesame.

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

First use a clean vase filled with fragrant water. Then kneel, join the palms, and invoke the worldly devas of the ten directions.

I respectfully invite Kauśika, Lord of the Devas of the Eastern Direction, together with all his retinue, to descend to this place where I have arranged these offerings. May you compassionately accept them.

I respectfully invite the Fire Deva seers and others of the Southeastern Direction, together with all their retinues, to descend to this place where I have arranged these offerings. May you compassionately accept them.

I respectfully invite Yama, Lord of the Devas of the Southern Direction; the Rakshasa Lord Deva; the Bhūta Deva King; the Water Deva; the Dragon King; the Wind Spirit King and others; Vaishravana Deva King; Ishana Deva King; and the Great Brahma Deva King.

I respectfully invite all the great spirit kings dwelling upon the earth, together with 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. (Visualize the deity of the respective direction and make the request clearly.)

_ Withdrawal and Invitation: Next invoke the worldly devas by their Sanskrit names.

_ Ishana Deva of the northeast, his retinue, and the hosts of bhūtas. Striking Mudra: form the Samadhi Fist (left fist), raise Fire (middle finger), and bend it against 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 Deva Kings guarding the directions descending from their celestial palaces to this place, assuming their respective directional positions, revealing their intent, and taking their seats.

_ Indra. Mudra: inwardly bind the fingers and extend the two Wind fingers (index fingers) like needles. The Mantra of Indra Deva King 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. With Wisdom (right hand), raise the four wheels (four fingers), lay the Space Degree (thumb) across the palm, and bend Wind (index finger) to summon three times. The Fire Deva Mantra is:

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

NAMAHÏ SAMANTA BUDDHÀNÀMÏ _ AGNÀYE SVÀHÀ

_ Yama. Place Samadhi and Wisdom (both hands) back to back; bend Earth (little fingers) and Wind (index fingers) into 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. He has a wrathful form, abides in the southwest, and holds 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

_ Water Deva. He holds a cord. 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. He is fierce. Form the Wisdom Fist (right fist) and raise Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). The Wind 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 hollow centers; cross the two Earth fingers (little fingers) within the palms; raise Space (thumbs), bending them beside Wind (index fingers) at a distance of about one inch. The mantra of Vaishravana Deva King 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. He holds 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. She holds a jeweled 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 (both hands), turn Water (ring fingers) upward; Space (thumbs) hold closely against the Fire Wheels (middle fingers), as though joined together. Water (ring fingers) and Fire (middle fingers) support 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

_ Reverently address them by name: Deva Kings guarding the directions, spirits of the twelve zodiacal palaces, nine great planetary devas, twenty-eight lunar mansions, the luminous officials governing the paths of karma, and the lord of one’s natal constellation. I now encounter this calamity and am oppressed by the circumstance of (…). I respectfully ask the celestial assembly, in obedience to the Buddha’s decree, to accept my invitation and all come to this gathering. With sincere and joyful resolve, help me, (name…), to arrest and eliminate calamities and obstacles and increase merit and longevity.

Alternatively say: “Beginning today, I shall practice the mantra. I wish to rely upon the protective mindfulness of the Sacred Assembly to uproot the painful karma of samsara for ourselves and all sentient beings. May the world-protecting celestial lords and the moving constellations and luminaries, in accordance with the Buddha’s Wheel of Command, grant me fearlessness and cause me to abide in peace and joy.”

_ Next offer pure fragrant water. Place a little water upon a lotus leaf and present it. The mantra is:

Án, a mật-lị đế, hồng, phán tra

OMÏ _ AMRÏTE HÙMÏ PHATÏ

_ Mantra of Fragrant Paste: with the middle and ring fingers, flick a little fragrant paste and offer the mild fragrance.

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

_ Mantra of Flower Garlands: interlace the fingers, turn the palms upward and place them at the forehead, then rotate 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

_ Mantra of Burning Incense: place Earth (little fingers), Water (ring fingers), and Fire (middle fingers) back to back; join the sides of the two Wind fingers (index fingers); place Space (thumbs) upon the Wind Wheels (index fingers), then open them.

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

_ Mantra of Food and Drink: form the Secret Joining Mudra.

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

_ Mantra of the Illuminating Lamp: make a fist with the right hand; raise the Fire Wheel (middle finger). Space’s nail (thumb) and Wind (index finger) press 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

_ Mantra of the Universal Offering of Ākāśagarbha Bodhisattva:

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 Deva Kings descending from their celestial palaces to this place, assuming their respective directional positions, revealing their intent, and taking their seats.

Reverently address them by name: world-protecting Deva Kings, spirits of the twelve zodiacal palaces, nine great planetary devas, twenty-eight lunar mansions, luminous officials governing the paths of karma, and the lord of one’s natal constellation.

I now encounter a calamity and am oppressed by the circumstance of (…). I respectfully ask the celestial assembly, in obedience to the Buddha’s decree, to accept my invitation and all come to this gathering. With sincere and joyful resolve, help me, whose name is (…), to arrest and eliminate calamities and obstacles and increase merit and longevity.

(Alternatively say: Beginning today, while reciting the mantra called (…), protect this place of practice and eliminate obstacles and difficulties. Other matters—whatever they may be—should be stated clearly.)

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 celestial lords guarding the directions and the moving constellations and luminaries, in accordance with the Buddha’s Wheel of Command, grant me fearlessness and cause me to abide in peace and joy.

After completing the invocation, next offer a clean vase and fragrant water upon leaves.

_ Next take a flower and place it upon the seat. The flower offering is called Puṣpam (Pusïpamï).

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

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

_ Next insert a small wax lamp into the porridge. In Sanskrit: Dīpam (Dìpamï), Pūjā (pùja), Śrī Devaputrasya (‘Srì Devaputrasïya), Śānti (‘Sànti), kuru, svāhā.

For every deity, make the offerings from water through the lamp, and after presenting them, direct them in this manner.

_ Next, while mentally offering that lamp to the deities, do not let it go out before the rite is complete. If necessary, assistants should each be assigned one task to perform the offering. If one person must fetch each item separately, the lamp may not last until the Dharma rite is finished, and this 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. Then recite the Buddha’s Compassionate Protection Mantra 108 times. Use this recitation to increase the benefit received by the devas. May the celestial music become ever more sublime.

If the offerings have not been presented according to the Dharma, may you compassionately bestow joy upon me.

_ The master should hold the incense burner and ask that all be joyful and that the supplication bring no calamity. Speak the verse and recite the vidyā dismissing the celestial lords: “Devas possessing majestic spiritual power and mastery, I now pray that my request be swiftly fulfilled. May the celestial lords return to their respective palaces. If invited again in the future, 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, Subāhu! If a reciter wishes to attain accomplishment, to perform and uphold the various Dharmas without obstacles and attain siddhi, he should use various foods to make sacrificial offerings to the devas, asuras, yakshas, dragon kings, garudas, jīvajīvaka birds, kaṭapūtanas, gandharvas, bhūtas, various haunting spirits, and so forth, whether upon the earth or in space. They will cause the reciter to encounter no difficulties, and all the wishes he seeks will be fulfilled. Form the mantra-seal mudra firmly for protection, kneel with the right knee touching the ground, and speak this invocation:

“Devas and bhūtas 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 containing much standing water), lakes, and wells; or in villages; or in spirit shrines; or in empty houses; or in celestial dwellings; or in monasteries and caityas (Cetya—worship stupas); or in grass huts; or in chambers; or in storehouses; or at crossroads; or beside the roads of great intersections; or in great solitary trees; or upon highways; or in burial grounds; or in charnel forests; or in great forests; or in places roamed by lions and great beasts; or in great deserts; or in the most sublime places of rivers and seas…

I greet all of you in your abodes. Together with your retinues, descend to this place where I have arranged garlands, fragrant paste, food and drink, and wondrous lamps. May you cast the blessing of your voices and cause the matter for which I pray to be fulfilled and bear its fruit.”

_ Then use a bronze vessel or a clean vase to hold all kinds of delicious sweets, fruits, walnuts, and so forth. Crush everything and empower it by reciting the mantra fourteen or twenty-one times. Then recite the Mantra of the Tathagata of Wondrous Form to empower water and sprinkle it. Again recite the Mudra and Vidyā of Universal Offering, sincerely directing the aspiration that the place of worship and its incense, flowers, and food become vast, exquisite, and wondrous. Then recite this verse:

Through the merit I have cultivated,

May all the realms of ghosts be universally nourished.

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

Abandon their bodies, and be reborn in a joyful realm.

Then carry the offering outside. Either place it in a clean area outside the dwelling or cast it into a great river as an offering of food to ghosts and spirits without name or 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 argha water, fragrant paste, flower garlands, burning incense, porridge, food, and illuminating lamps. May the Auspicious Divine Prince help me, whose name is (…), to bring calamities to an end, increase merit and wisdom, and perfectly fulfill all goodness.” Then say Svāhā.

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

_ Mantras and Mudras for Making Offerings to the Deva Kings of the Ten Directions, and so forth.

After receiving any Dharma and completing a period of recitation, homa, abhisheka, and so forth, one should always make offerings to the devas; one will then swiftly be free from calamity. The verse says:

Contemplate the mind giving rise to the Dharma realm,

Forming the fundamental wrathful altar,

Triangular, in the form of a nāga,

Blazing with fire that protects Brahma Deva.

The Three Families are next formed and recited;

The guiding cord and four invitations summon them.

To form the body, recite three times,

Or else recite single-mindedly.

When the rite is finished and the aspiration made,

Next form the mudra of the honored one of each direction.

Recite each respective mantra

And escort away the holy directional guardian devas.

When recitation according to the Dharma is complete,

And the praises and aspirations have been made,

Release the boundary and escort away the sacred devas;

Only then leave the place of practice.

_ At the eight corners plaster a circular altar,

Then establish the ten sacred positions.

To the left and right of Indra,

Place Brahma Deva and the Earth Deva.

Alternatively, in the Dragon Direction (the west),

Place Brahma and Earth opposite one another.

_ The positions of the Sun Deva and Moon Deva,

And the constellations and luminaries, all revolve accordingly.

_ In 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

And are placed at both sides of the mouth.

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

Mount Sumeru is his seat.

Outside his body appear eight sharp

Vajra Wheels,

Filled with a deep blue color.

His hair is disheveled and flower garlands hang down.

His fierce flames are like the conflagration at the end of a kalpa.

His bearing is like Garuda,

So majestically radiant that none can withstand him.

Māras and their lords,

Terrified, flee away.

Relying upon the power of his ancient great vows,

He manifests a fierce and violent form,

Devours all obstructive afflictions,

And brings security to practitioners.

_ After arranging the directional positions,

Offer mixed porridge.

Take ordinary rice and sesame,

Mix them with mung beans, and cook them.

_ When finished, at every altar position,

Place a ceramic vessel.

First use pure fragrant water,

Pouring a little into each vessel.

Next raise it in presentation,

Flicking it with the fingers.

_ Again offer various renowned flowers,

Then burn incense and present it.

Afterward take a handful of porridge,

And with a deeply respectful mind,

Empower each offering three times.

_ Next take a small wax lamp

And insert it into the porridge.

Until the rite is complete,

Do not let this lamp go out.

_ Above the syllable of Perfect Quiescence,

Add words expressing the prayer.

The Six Holy Ones secretly empower and protect,

Causing all undertakings to be accomplished.

This assists the practice;

That individual aspiration will also be fulfilled.

_ When wishing to invite and make offerings,

Reveal the intent and cause them to assume their positions.

Make offerings according to the Dharma,

With a resolute mind free from doubt;

Every wish will be fulfilled.

_ Among the Nine Planets, the Sun is lord;

Among the constellations, the Moon is lord.

The Brahma and Earth mudras

Will now be explained in sequence.

_ An eight-petaled red lotus

Is the Brahma Mudra.

_ The Ten Degrees (ten fingers) form the argha gesture:

This is the Earth Deva Mudra.

_ With Samadhi (left hand), grasp Wisdom’s wrist (right wrist).

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

The Space Wheel (thumb) lies across the palm;

Wind (index finger) hooks and moves back and forth.

This is the Fire Deva’s Inviting and Sending Mudra.

_ With Dhyana (right thumb), press the Discipline Degree (right ring finger),

And flick outward three times.

This is the Sending Mudra.

The mantras are as stated in the sutra.

Sanskrit names and Chinese meanings: the Tathagata’s ten epithets of merit and virtue:

Đát tha nga đố (Tathagata) _ TATHÀGATA

La hãn (Worthy of Offerings, Arhat) _ ARHAT

Tam miệu tam mẫu đà (Perfectly and Completely Awakened One) _ 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 Persons) _ 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 place of practice, spread kuśa grass, lotus leaves, green grass, or the like. Plaster the altar and prepare the six offerings, wax lamps, and so forth.

_ Next arrange the seats, form the mudras of the Three Families, don the armor, and protect the body.

_ Next empower fragrant water (using the Jiligila Mudra and Vidyā twenty-one times, and sprinkle it in the four directions and upon the offerings).

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

_ Next empower the altar (using the Jiligila Vidyā seven or twenty-one times).

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

_ Next make the Five Great Vows, state the matter, recite the Prajnaparamita scriptures, and increase the benefit received by the devas and others.

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

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

_ Next recite the Four-Syllable Vidyā. Visualize that the honored one who has primordially abided there and the honored one empowered within the altar are exaltedly united in nonduality.

_ Next summon them from their respective directions and recite the Great Hook of Summoning Mudra and Vidyā. 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 respectfully invite them.

_ Next kneel and recite the exhortation in Chinese, requesting their presence.

_ Next recite the Praise of the Four Wisdoms.

_ Next present argha water to Acala Vidyārāja.

_ Next form the Seat Mudra.

_ Next, the Net.

_ Next, the Flame.

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

_ Next make individual offerings to all the devas and others. (According to each directional position, one vessel and one argha vase may be placed for each. Recite the respective vidyā three times for each.)

_ Next recite the Universal Offering Vidyā.

_ Next form the mudra and empower the five places.

_ Next recite Acala’s Compassionate Rescue Mantra 108 times. Pray earnestly and complete the prescribed number. As before, form the protection and perform repentance.

_ Next recite the mantra of the deva governing the matter 108 or 1,080 times. This may be recited to confer protective aid upon the donor.

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

_ Again recite the Great Auspicious Deva Mantra 108 times.

_ Next make offerings and present them to Acala Vidyārāja.

_ Next recite the Universal Offering Vidyā, making offerings to the Vidyārāja, the ocean-wide assembly of honored ones throughout lands 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 release the boundary, releasing each part according to the verse.

_ Next offer argha water.

_ Next dismiss them.

_ Next perform the bodily protection of the Three Families.

Then leave the place of practice as described above.

END

22/07/2004

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

RITUAL MANUAL OF THE TEN DEVAS

Vietnamese translation: HUYỀN THANH

Mudra of Ishvara Deva in the Northeastern Direction:

Make a fist with the right hand and place it at the waist. Raise the five fingers of the left hand straight and together; bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). Fire (middle finger), Wind (index finger), and Space (thumb) are each held 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. Raise the five fingers of the left hand straight and 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 the Fire Deva in the Southeastern Direction:

Make a fist with the left hand and place it at the left waist. Raise the five fingers of the right hand straight and together. Bend Space (thumb) against the palm; bend the middle joint of Wind (index finger), and with the utterance Svāhā summon and invite. The mantra is:

Án, a ngã na duệ, sa bà ha

OMÏ AGNÀYE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of Yama Deva in the Southern Direction:

Join the palms. Bend the middle joints of the two Earth fingers (little fingers) so their backs touch; likewise bend the two Wind fingers (index fingers) so their backs touch. Press the middle joints of both Wind fingers with the two thumbs. 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:

Make a fist with the right hand and place it at the waist. Raise the five fingers of the left hand straight and together; bend the middle joints of Earth (little finger) and Water (ring finger). Press the nails of Earth and Water with the tip of Space (thumb). This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, địa lị để duệ, sa phộc ha

OMÏ NRÏTYE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Water Deva in the Western Direction:

The right hand is as before. Make a fist with the left hand, placing Space (thumb) inside the palm. Raise Wind (index finger) straight and bend its middle joint slightly. This completes the mudra. The mantra is:

Án, phộc lỗ noa gia, sa phộc ha

OMÏ VARUNÏAYA SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Wind Deva in the Northwestern Direction:

The right hand is as before. Raise the five fingers of the left hand straight and together; 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, interlacing the ten fingers within the palms. Raise the two Water fingers (ring fingers) straight so their tips touch. Bend the two Wind fingers (index fingers) slightly but firmly. 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, passing over the back of the left Space finger, and press the right Fire finger (right middle finger). With the two Wind fingers and the syllable HA, summon and invite. 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:

Make a fist with the right hand and place it at the right waist. Raise the five fingers of the left hand straight and together, bend them slightly, and lift the hand somewhat above the eyebrows. This forms the appearance of a lotus. The mantra is:

Án, Một la hàm ma ninh, sa phộc ha b

OMÏ BRAHMANÏE SVÀHÀ

Mudra of the Earth Deva in the Lower Direction:

Join the palms. The four fingers from Wind (index fingers) downward touch tip to tip and open widely toward the front. The two Space fingers (thumbs) 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 is no different 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:

It is like the preceding Brahma Deva Mudra, but visualize the appearance 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 the ten fingers touch, and spread the two Wind fingers (index fingers) and the two Earth fingers (little fingers) as widely as possible. 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 space between them. Cross the two Fire fingers (middle fingers) outwardly, and also cross 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)