Toh 659The Dhāraṇī, The Questions of the Nāga King Tejasvin

An Exposition of the Dhāraṇī Sutra, The Questions of the Nāga King Tejasvin

Context

The Tejasvināgarājaparipṛcchādhāraṇī Sutra (The Dhāraṇī—The Questions of the Nāga King Tejasvin) belongs to the Tantra section of the Tibetan Kangyur and exemplifies a form common in the esoteric Vajrayana tradition. This sutra records a sacred dialogue between the Buddha and a nāga king named Tejasvin, meaning “The Majestic One.”

In Esoteric Buddhism, nāgas are not lowly creatures, but protectors of the Dharma and embodiments of buddha-nature, often entrusted with safeguarding the scriptures. The Nāga King Tejasvin’s questioning of the Buddha expresses the profound reverence of supernatural forces for the true Dharma, as well as the capacity of all sentient beings—whatever their realm—to approach liberation.

This sutra emphasizes the contemplative character of the esoteric tradition, in which all phenomena of the cosmos are seen in the light of buddha-nature. The nāga’s appearance is not merely external, but symbolizes transcendent wisdom and the protection of the Dharma.

Main Content

The Tejasvināgarājaparipṛcchādhāraṇī Sutra focuses on the Buddha’s teaching of a powerful dhāraṇī—an instrument of mind for escaping hindrances and protecting sentient beings. In the esoteric tradition, a dhāraṇī is not merely a collection of sacred syllables, but a manifestation of the direct realization of suchness, which can be transmitted from master to disciple only through ritual and wholehearted trust.

Through his questions, the Nāga King Tejasvin represents all sentient beings who possess wholesome roots and wish to transcend the bonds of worldliness. The nāga king’s questions symbolize the profound yearning of all life to be liberated from suffering. The Dharma excludes no sentient being; even nonhuman powers can attain buddhahood.