Toh 775The Dhāraṇī for Circumambulation

The Dhāraṇī Scripture for Circumambulation (Toh 775)

Context

The Dhāraṇī for Circumambulation belongs to the Kangyur and is classified among the tantric scriptures of Vajrayāna. In the Tibetan tradition, the Kangyur (bka' 'gyur) is the collection of the Buddha’s teachings translated from Sanskrit. It comprises three principal sections: Vinaya, Sutra, and Abhidharma, while the Tantra section stands independently in a special position.

This scripture concerns a dhāraṇī—a sacred mantra formula used in tantric practice. Unlike mantras focused on complex rituals, the “Dhāraṇī for Circumambulation” relates directly to the act of circumambulation (pradakṣiṇa)—an ancient Buddhist practice in which practitioners bow down or walk clockwise around a sacred object, such as a stupa or image of the Buddha, symbolizing reverence and entry into the Buddha Dharma.

In Tantra, physical action is never separate from spiritual depth. Every step is joined with intention, and the dhāraṇī is the means of connecting body, speech, and mind with the sacred powers of the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or yidams.

Main Content

This scripture provides a dhāraṇī for use while circumambulating. This dhāraṇī is not a collection of meaningless syllables, but an expression of ultimate truth (śūnyatā, emptiness) and immeasurable compassion. In practice, the practitioner does not merely move the body, but wholly directs consciousness toward invoking and connecting with the spiritual power of the object of veneration.

The dhāraṇī enables practitioners to transcend the division between subject, the practitioner, and object, that which is circumambulated. Through repeating each syllable with every prostrating step or circuit, consciousness gradually becomes “the mind of the Buddha”—a mind full of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness. This is the process of spiritual transformation valued in Tantra.