Toh 573The Dhāraṇī of the Mother of All Dharmas

Exposition of the Dhāraṇī Sūtra of the Mother of All Dharmas

Context

The Sarvadharmamātṛkādhāraṇī (The Dhāraṇī of the Mother of All Dharmas) belongs to the Tantra section of the Kangyur and represents the esoteric Vajrayāna tradition, in which dhāraṇīs are regarded as profoundly effective instruments of spiritual practice. Unlike ordinary Sanskrit speech, a dhāraṇī is not a translation but a formula of sacred sounds containing the wisdom of the buddhas and bodhisattvas.

The name “Mother of All Dharmas” (Sarvadharma-mātṛkā) expresses an extraordinary quality: this dhāraṇī is regarded as the generative foundation of every Buddhist Dharma method. In esoteric Buddhism, “Mother” is not merely a metaphor but denotes the generative feminine principle (Śakti)—the dynamic creative power of the universe—and the highest aspect of consciousness on the bodhisattva path. This scripture was transmitted by divine beings (Devī) or bodhisattvas who had attained transcendent spiritual levels.

Main Content

Although the specific contents of this scripture have not been fully translated in the available sources, according to the conventions of esoteric Buddhism, such a dhāraṇī commonly includes: (1) a series of secret syllables (seed syllables—bīja-mantra) such as Oṃ, Āḥ, and Hūṃ; (2) the names and epithets of related bodhisattvas or goddesses; and (3) formulas of protection and purification.

In particular, a dhāraṇī bearing the name “Mother of All Dharmas” is capable of protecting practitioners from both external and internal obstacles, purifying habitual tendencies, illuminating nondual wisdom, and connecting practitioners directly with the transcendent source of energy of the entire Dharma teaching. It is believed that the golden light and sound of the dhāraṇī can penetrate the six sense objects and the four attainments, causing the practitioner’s consciousness to become gentle, lucid, and compassionate.