Toh 532The One Hundred and Eight Names of Lord Buddha along with the Dhāraṇī

An Exposition of the One Hundred and Eight Names of the Buddha along with the Dhāraṇī

Background

The Buddhabhagavadaṣṭaśatanāmadhāraṇī (The One Hundred and Eight Names of the Buddha along with the Dhāraṇī) is an esoteric scripture belonging to the Vajrayāna tradition, preserved in the Kangyur—the collection of Buddhist scriptures translated into Tibetan from Sanskrit originals. This scripture combines two essential elements of esoteric practice: reverence for the Buddha’s many aspects and praise through spiritually powerful names (nāma), together with protective dhāraṇī formulas that impress the Dharma deeply upon the mind.

In the esoteric tradition, the number 108 is not arbitrary. It symbolizes the completeness and perfection of practice—being associated with 108 recitations, 108 afflictions, or 108 samayas. Each name of the Buddha is a gateway to union with his awakened nature through the realization conveyed by the name and its sacred sound.

Main Content

This scripture reveals that the Blessed Buddha is not merely a historical personality but the embodiment of innumerable supreme qualities. Each name reflects an aspect of buddhahood: Tathāgata—“Thus-Gone One”; Samyaksaṃbuddha—“Perfectly Awakened One”; Sugata—“Well-Gone One”; and so forth. These names are not superficial expressions of praise but profound instruments of practice.

The dhāraṇī section of this scripture carries the sense of “that which protects.” It is not merely magical language but a manifestation of the immutability of the Dharmakāya. When practitioners chant these names together with the dhāraṇī, they activate spiritual currents (rlung) and mental imprints (pratisaṃdhāna), leading to inner transformation.