Toh 795The Dhāraṇī that Assuages Poison

The Scripture of the Poison-Removing Dhāraṇī (Toh 795)

Background

The Scripture of the Poison-Removing Dhāraṇī is a tantric scripture preserved in the Tibetan Kangyur. It is a typical work of the Vajrayāna tradition, in which dhāraṇīs—mantric formulas endowed with transcendent power—are regarded as direct means of transforming the mind and protecting sentient beings from calamity.

In tantric Buddhism, poison (bisa/poison) bears not only a physical meaning but also symbolizes harmful mental factors: greed, hatred, and delusion—the three great poisons (triviṣa) in Buddhist teaching. This scripture was composed to provide a mantric remedy, helping practitioners protect themselves and others from these dangers.

Main Content

Although the detailed contents of the scripture have not yet been fully translated in the reference materials, according to the standard structure of tantric dhāraṇī scriptures, the Scripture of the Poison-Removing Dhāraṇī certainly includes:

First, a narrative setting in which the Buddha or a bodhisattva/great adept (mahāsiddha) proclaims this dhāraṇī during an empowerment (abhiṣeka) or protective rite. Tantric scriptures commonly begin with a transcendent scene in which deities gather to attest to the power of the mantric formula.

Second, the causes and conditions for which the dhāraṇī is uttered. It may be in response to the request of a bodhisattva, or to protect Buddhist devotees from dangers arising from poisons, illness, or negative forces in the sphere of consciousness.

Third, the mantric formula itself (mantra/dhāraṇī)—divine utterances believed to be capable of warding off, repelling, or transforming poisonous influences. In Vajrayāna, these mantras are not words with ordinary corresponding meanings, but manifestations of truth and consciousness (citta) united with the very essence of the deities.