Toh 801The Dhāraṇī that Dispels Phlegm Diseases

The Dhāraṇī that Marvellously Dispels Phlegm Diseases

Background

The Dhāraṇī that Marvellously Dispels Phlegm Diseases is recorded in the Kangyur—the collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures—as Toh 801, in the Tantra section. It is a representative work of the Vajrayāna tradition, in which dhāraṇīs—condensed formulas of wisdom—are regarded as powerful means for transforming illness and suffering.

In Tantra, dhāraṇīs are not ordinary words, but sonic expressions of the Buddha's wisdom. They are accumulated through the practitioner's deep absorption in the body and consciousness of the whole universe. Here, phlegm diseases refer not only to physiological disorders, but also to the distraction, suspension, and obscurity of consciousness—mental obstacles produced by ignorance.

Main Content

This scripture presents a special dhāraṇī intended to eliminate illnesses associated with the phlegm element (kapha) in traditional Buddhist medicine. According to the Tantric tradition, every illness has its source in the three poisons: greed, hatred, and delusion. Phlegm diseases arise from delusion (moha)—ignorance, indecision, and lack of clarity.

The dhāraṇī in this scripture issues from a Buddha or bodhisattva possessing supreme healing power. Through recitation, contemplation, and meditation upon this dhāraṇī, practitioners stir the mind-originating energy of the Buddha-Dharma, thereby disorienting and digesting the causes of disease, both on the material and spiritual levels.

The scripture teaches that the practice of this dhāraṇī requires three elements: a pure mind, vast bodhicitta, and proper zeal. Practitioners do not seek healing for themselves alone, but generate the aspiration to liberate all beings from illness and suffering. This is why Tantra regards healing practice as inseparable from the practice of liberation.