Toh 693The Dhāraṇī of the Eleven Faced Avalokiteśvara
Pāli / Sanskrit:Avalokiteśvaraikādaśamukhadhāraṇī
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EXPLANATION OF THE SŪTRA OF THE DHĀRAṆĪ OF ELEVEN-FACED AVALOKITEŚVARA
Background
The Sūtra of the Dhāraṇī of Eleven-Faced Avalokiteśvara (Avalokiteśvaraikādaśamukhadhāraṇī) is an esoteric scripture in the Kangyur that represents the Vajrayāna tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In esoteric Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva is not only the transcendent bodhisattva of compassion but also a sacred deity endowed with extraordinary power to liberate sentient beings from suffering.
The eleven-faced form of Avalokiteśvara expresses the limitless and multidimensional power of compassion. Each face represents a different aspect of awakening: the principal face in front symbolizes compassion, the face above symbolizes wisdom, and the faces behind symbolize protection and the destruction of demonic obstacles. This form first appeared in Mahāyāna scriptures but was developed in esoteric Buddhism into a profound contemplative practice.
A dhāraṇī in esoteric Buddhism is not merely a chant possessing magical power, but a crystallization of buddha-nature—a sacred stream of sound filled with spiritual efficacy and boundless transformative power. Reciting this dhāraṇī is a contemplative practice for purifying karmic obscurations and establishing a spiritual connection with infinite compassion.
Main Content
This scripture focuses on transmitting the powerful sacred formulas of Eleven-Faced Avalokiteśvara. Its contents include mantras taught by the Buddha or Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva for the purpose of protecting devotees from every calamity, illness, and obstacle.
In the esoteric tradition, every syllable of a dhāraṇī possesses profound significance. They are not random words but seed syllables filled with the energy of sacred deities. Recitation with a concentrated mind, accompanied by a clear visualization of the form of Eleven-Faced Avalokiteśvara, creates a sacred connection between the practitioner and the bodhisattva’s inexhaustible source of compassion.
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