A Lợi Đa La Đà La Ni A Lỗ Lực Kinh

Thus have I heard: At one time, the Blessed One was at Shravasti, in Anathapindika’s Garden, together with an immeasurable assembly of bodhisattvas.

At that time, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt, joined his palms, bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and said: “World-Honored One! I wish to expound a Dharma capable of removing karmic hindrances from the three times. May the World-Honored One compassionately grant permission.”

The World-Honored One then praised him, saying: “Excellent! Excellent! The great bodhisattva wishes to bring great benefit to all sentient beings by expounding such a treasury of Dharma. I now rejoice in accord. You may speak.”

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara then uttered the mantra:

“Om, Arolik, svaha.”

– ) OMÏ AROLIK SVÀHÀ

After uttering this mantra, he said to the Buddha: “This is the Heart Mantra of the Lotus Family. I shall now explain the Dharma of siddhi.

_ If, every morning and evening, one makes a mandala before my image, scatters various flowers, and recites the mantra 8,000 times without speaking with anyone else, practicing in accordance with the Dharma for a full six months, one will attain great intelligence and never forget anything one has heard or learned.

_ Bathe and purify oneself, and before the Buddha make three circular altars: the first for the Buddha, the second for the Dharma, and the third for the Sangha. Before each altar, make offerings of incense and flowers in accordance with the Dharma. Holding an incense burner in one’s hands, burn incense and offer it while completing 8,000 recitations. Even if that person is destined to fall into hell for having committed the four grave offenses, the five rebellious offenses, and the like, they will all be eradicated. If one continues for a full six months, reciting the mantra 1,500 times on each occasion, every siddhi one seeks will be accomplished.

_ Again, bathe and purify oneself, sit upon a seat of grass, and recite the mantra 350,000 times. Every siddhi will be accomplished, and even all illnesses within the body will be eliminated.

_ Recite the mantra 100,000 times before an image of Avalokiteshvara, and every matter one seeks will be accomplished.

_ Again, from the eighth day through the fifteenth day, bathe and purify oneself and recite the mantra 8,000 times. This can remove the world’s Hong Dan calamity, and all kinds of ghosts will be driven away.

_ Again, from the first day through the fifteenth day, observe the eight precepts and recite the mantra 1,000 times daily. This can remove the hindrances and difficulties caused by all vinayakas.

_ Again, beginning on the first day of the first month and continuing through the fifteenth day, establish a pure altar before the Buddha, offer incense and flowers, and complete 35,000 recitations. One can thereby attain siddhi, and whatever one seeks will be accomplished.

_ Again, in the morning, bathe with scented water and recite the mantra 3,000 times. This can cause everyone to love and cherish one, and whatever one seeks will be obtained as desired.

_ Again, first complete 10,000 recitations before the Buddha. Then, beginning on the first day and continuing through the fourteenth day, complete 100,000 recitations. This can remove all evil hindrances.

_ If one makes an altar before the Buddha and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and offers incense, flowers, and bright lamps, then, upon completing 3,500 recitations, one will be born in the realm of Avalokiteshvara in the next life.

_ Construct 100,000 stupas, recite the mantra 10,000 times at each stupa, and make offerings in accordance with the Dharma. Every siddhi will be accomplished, and in the next life one may be reborn in Sukhavati according to one’s wish.

_ Take potter’s clay, mix it into mud, and make 100,000 stupas as described above. At each stupa, recite the mantra 3,500 times. The supreme siddhi one seeks will be accomplished, and everything will be obtained according to one’s mind. Even if that person has previously committed the four grave offenses or the five rebellious offenses, performing this Dharma will eradicate them all, and that person will swiftly attain rebirth in Sukhavati.

_ Again, as above, use earth to establish a mandala before the Buddha, burn agarwood incense, and select beautiful flowers. With each recitation, scatter one flower at the Buddha’s feet. Perform this during the three periods of each day for seven days. This can remove all fixed karma leading to the offenses of hell, and every siddhi one seeks will be accomplished.

_ Again, without regard to whether the day or month is auspicious or inauspicious, bathe with scented water at midnight, put on new garments, purify oneself, and recite the mantra 3,500 times. All evil dreams will be dispelled, and whatever one seeks in one’s heart will be clearly revealed.

_ Before an image of Avalokiteshvara, construct a square or circular altar of any desired size, and use butter to make eight lamps. Recite the mantra 10,000 times daily for one month, doing so each day without speaking with anyone. When the month is complete, one will never forget any Mahayana scripture after hearing it only once, and may even hear Avalokiteshvara expound the Dharma.

_ Again, recite the mantra 250,000 times before relics. Afterward, make a great offering, light butter lamps, sit upon a seat of grass, and recite from the beginning of the night until midnight. The Noble One will then manifest in person. Upon seeing him, the practitioner should rise, bow, and make a prayer. The bodhisattva will then expound the Dharma. After hearing the Dharma, one will remain forever close to him and never regress from the bodhisattva path until attaining Buddhahood.

_ Again, beside a river, stream, seashore, or another beautiful place, construct one koti of stupas and recite one laksha before the stupas. All offenses will thereby be eradicated, one will see the Noble One, and at life’s end one will attain rebirth in Sukhavati, remaining there until attaining Buddhahood. Again, make 100 stupas every day and continue the daily recitations for six months. All calamities within the country will be eliminated.

_ Construct one koti of stupas and recite the mantra one koti of times. One will see Avalokiteshvara and hear him expound the Dharma. Wherever that person goes, all who see them will be liberated from suffering. Again, while observing silence, construct many stupas and recite the mantra 350,000 times. One will immediately attain siddhi, and every word one speaks will be the pure sound of Dharma.

_ Again, make 3,500 stupas every day and recite the mantra seven times at each stupa. Dedicate the merit to sentient beings undergoing suffering. The sufferings of all sentient beings in the lower realms will thereby be eliminated, and after death they will attain rebirth in Sukhavati.

_ Again, on the fifteenth day, perform the recitation at a stupa without letting anyone know. Dedicate the merit to all sentient beings. By doing so, all great vows will be fulfilled.

_ Observe the eight precepts, remain silent, and recite the mantra one koti of times to attain the great siddhi. Recite at the feet of the Noble One, and every siddhi will be accomplished. Again, solely arousing compassion, use sandalwood to make a circular altar shaped like a lotus leaf and recite one laksha.

Before each altar, recite the mantra 3,500 times, and afterward recite the Mahayana scriptures. One will immediately become intelligent, and whatever one desires in one’s heart will be accomplished with only a few recitations. Remain silent, arouse loving-kindness and compassion, eat glutinous-rice porridge or subsist on alms, and recite the mantra 150,000 times.

Whatever one seeks in one’s heart will be obtained, except for matters of jealousy. If one makes offerings to the Noble One in accordance with the Dharma, holds incense in one’s mouth, and recites the mantra 10,000 times, then wherever one goes, all who see one will rejoice.

_ In the morning, bathe and purify oneself, put on clean garments, and recite the mantra 10,000 times. Even when hungry and thirsty and without food or drink, that person will become fully satisfied. Again, at midnight, sprinkle water upon the body and recite as much as one is able; one will immediately be freed from fear.

_ Again, empower a tooth-stick with 1,000 recitations, then use it to clean the teeth. One will immediately attain eloquence and cause everyone to love and cherish one. Empower beautiful fresh flowers, smell them, and give them to another person; that person will grant one wealth and treasures as desired. If one is able to recite this mantra, one will attain peace and happiness. Or, while staying in any place, sit and recite the mantra 8,000 times. Whatever one seeks will be obtained, except for sensual desire, and one will be able to protect both oneself and others.

_ Take dung from a white cow before it falls to the ground and mix it with water. Before the Three Jewels and the principal deity, make an altar, scatter fragrant flowers, light butter lamps, face east, sit, and recite the mantra 10,000 times. Whatever one seeks will be fully revealed.

_ Again, during the bright fortnight of the month, make an altar using gomaya, scatter fragrant flowers, light three cups of butter lamps, and recite the mantra 3,500 times. One will then obtain four Ka Li Ban Na coins.

_ Before a relic stupa or before the Buddha, use powdered sandalwood paste to anoint four small altars, make lamps from butter, and recite the mantra 3,500 times. This can remove evil calamities and harmful matters for others, and all wishes will be fulfilled. Mix gomaya with water and smear it upon the ground. Before the Three Jewels and the principal deity, use white sandalwood water to make four small circular altars, scatter flowers upon them, and recite the mantra 10,000 times. After seven days, one will obtain all kinds of clothing.

_ Offer incense and flowers to the principal deity, light four cups of butter lamps, and recite the mantra 10,000 times. After twenty-one days, one will obtain the same results described above.

_ Go to the seashore or the bank of a river or stream, face west, and install the image of the Principal Deity. Smear and plaster the place with gomaya, make offerings of incense and flowers, and, with the practitioner facing east, recite 350,000 times. When this has been completed, throughout the land the rains and winds will be seasonable, and the five grains will flourish.

_ Recite 10,000 times and burn sumana flowers; this will restrain malignant winds and rains, thunderbolts, and calamities within the country. Furthermore, should various disasters arise in the country, take the image of the Principal Deity to the city gate, install it according to the Dharma, bow in homage, and make offerings of various kinds of incense, flowers, food, and drink; the calamities will then immediately be eliminated.

_ Furthermore, offer Da Hien flowers to the Noble One, empower them with 8,000 recitations, place them upon the heads of those suffering from illness, mix them with ghee, and burn them; all feverish illnesses of the patients will be eliminated.

_ Before the image, light an oil lamp and empower it with 8,000 recitations. Apply the lamp soot to the eyes, and all diseases of the eyes will be cured.

_ Furthermore, if a calamity suddenly arises in the country and causes people to die, place the painted image at each city gate and offer various flowers that grow in water. At midnight, mix goji berries with ghee and perform homa for fifteen days; all fatal calamities will be eliminated.

_ If all kinds of venomous creatures arise, make offerings before the Principal Deity according to the Dharma. Place pure, excellent spring water in a basin; empower each sumana flower with one recitation and place it in the spring water. Continue until all the flowers have been used, and the venomous creatures will disappear.

_ Recite 10,000 times at midnight, and there will be no nightmares. At midday, go to a spring or the sea, wade into the water, and recite 10,000 times; nightmares will be eliminated. Empower the hand with 8,000 recitations, rub the body of one suffering from fever, and have the patient lie down in a quiet place; the patient will immediately recover.

I shall now further explain the METHOD FOR PAINTING THE IMAGE: Use new, clean silk; silk woven by a maiden is best. In the center, paint Amitabha Buddha six cubits in height, forming the Dharma-teaching mudra and sitting in the full lotus posture upon a lotus dais. His body is golden, surrounded by a white halo. To the Buddha’s right, paint Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva; to his left, paint Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. The bodies of both bodhisattvas are golden and surrounded by white halos. Each holds a white fly-whisk in the right hand and a lotus flower in the left. The body of Mahasthamaprapta is smaller than that of Avalokitesvara. Both are adorned with precious ornaments, wear bracelets upon their arms and white garments upon their bodies, and have their hair bound in topknots.

To the right of Avalokitesvara, paint Pandaravasini, the White-Robed Sovereign Mother Bodhisattva. Her hair is likewise bound in a topknot; she is adorned with precious ornaments and wears white garments. In one hand she holds a staff or a cord (pasha), and in her right hand she holds a casket containing the Prajnaparamita Sutra.

Below Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, paint the practitioner holding a radiant flower, a blue lotus, or a red lotus, gazing reverently upon the Buddha.

Below, directly before the Buddha, paint a lotus pond. Within the pond, paint precious lotus flowers. On the right, paint Nanda, the naga king; on the left, paint Upananda, the naga king. Both stand with the upper halves of their bodies emerging above the water. Each raises one hand to support the Buddha’s seat. Their countenances are joyful, their bodies are adorned with precious ornaments, and their bodies are red. On both sides of the pond, paint celestial maidens wearing precious garments and holding lotus flowers in both hands as offerings to the Buddha.

Behind the Buddha, paint a precious wish-fulfilling tree. Upon the tree are precious garments, various treasures, musical instruments, dancers and singers, and birds. In the tree are devas who rain down flowers as offerings to the Buddha.

When the image has been completed, install it in a pure place facing west. Undertake the Eight Precepts, arouse loving-kindness and compassion toward all sentient beings, generate bodhicitta, and make offerings with utmost sincerity. Before the Buddha, construct a small stupa in which to place the Prajnaparamita Sutra.

On the eighth or fourteenth day of the month, make offerings to the Sangha, whether many or few according to your means; if your means are insufficient, making an offering to even one member of the Sangha is acceptable. Before the image, make offerings according to the Dharma of anointing incense (perfumed oil), powdered incense, burning incense, various foods and drinks, and also offer flowers, lamps, banners, pennants, precious canopies, and music.

Constantly recollect Amitabha Buddha and recite the mantra 350,000 times; siddhi will immediately be attained. From that time onward, whatever intention arises will be accomplished.

I shall now further explain the METHOD FOR CARVING THE IMAGE: Use white sandalwood. In the center carve Amitabha Buddha, with Avalokitesvara on the right and Mahasthamaprapta on the left. Both hold white fly-whisks and are properly arrayed with garments and necklaces, as prescribed; only the lotus pond is omitted.

Before the image, construct a homa hearth. Place the five grains and five precious substances within it. Use asvattha wood as fuel. Mix ghee, honey, milk, curds, and various flowers, and place the mixture in a vessel made of silver, copper, or another suitable material. Recite 2,500 times while performing homa. Beginning on the first day and continuing through the seventh, perform this each day in the same manner. Whatever is sought according to one’s intention will be obtained as wished; from then onward, all rites will be accomplished.

_ Furthermore, use Tất Bà wood as fuel, and perform homa with polished rice and the three sweet substances for 2,500 recitations; everyone from the king to his officials will be pleased and obedient.

_ Furthermore, as above, use Bà La wood as fuel, and perform homa with polished rice and the three sweet substances for 2,500 recitations. Everyone in the country will show respect, whatever is said will be obeyed, and the wealth and treasures sought will be obtained as wished.

_ Furthermore, use Ngưu Tất as fuel and perform homa with the three sweet substances; all sudras will become obedient.

_ Furthermore, use Ra Xà Bạt Lị Chỉ Sa and, as above, perform homa with Dạ Hợp wood and the three sweet substances. After seven days, the same result as above will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use the wood of a milk-bearing tree, with Dạ Hợp wood as fuel for the homa. After twenty-one days, all illnesses will depart and will never recur during that lifetime.

_ Furthermore, use Bà La Xa wood as fuel and perform homa with the five grains and ghee for three months; the five grains will then be abundant.

_ Furthermore, use Ưu Đàm Bát La and, as above, barley and ghee. Perform homa in three periods each day, with 3,500 recitations, for one month; cows giving abundant milk will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use Bà La Xa wood and, as above, large red beans, white polished rice, ghee, and honey. Perform homa in three periods each day, with 3,500 recitations; treasures and granaries sufficient for inexhaustible use will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use Dà Đà La wood and, as above, perform homa with Vĩ Lạp Ma fruits for 3,500 recitations. Continue for seven days, and one thousand measures of suvarṇa—that is, one thousand taels of gold—will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use Bà La Dư wood as fuel, and also perform homa with that wood and the three sweet substances for 3,500 recitations. Whomever one thinks of will immediately come and bring treasures as offerings.

_ Furthermore, use Ô Đàm Bát La and, as above, perform homa with cooked polished rice and ghee for 3,500 recitations; wealth, treasures, and abundant stores of the five grains will immediately be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use Bà La Dư wood and, as above, perform homa with yellow grain, barley, sesame oil, and ghee for 3,500 recitations; whatever the king desires will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, use the wood of a milk-bearing tree and, as above, perform homa with polished rice and ghee for 3,500 recitations; unobstructed eloquence surpassing that of anyone else will immediately be attained.

_ Furthermore, use A Ma Ra and, as above, perform homa with A Du Bát Ba and the three sweet substances for seven days, making 8,000 recitations each day. Whomever one thinks of will immediately come, like a servant appearing before the master.

_ Furthermore, use Bà La Dư wood and, as above, perform homa with barley and the three sweet substances, making 3,500 recitations each day for twenty-one days; the same result as above will be obtained.

_ Furthermore, as above, perform homa with cooked polished rice and the sweet substances for 3,500 recitations. Continue for one month, and brahmins will come as wished and obey one’s instructions.

_ Furthermore, use A Bà Lị Ca wood and, as above, perform homa with sesame oil, barley, and ghee for 3,500 recitations. Within twenty-one days, all kshatriyas and nobles will come and comply with one’s wishes.

_ Furthermore, use Dà Đà La wood and perform homa with yellow-grain flour and sesame oil mixed with ghee for 3,500 recitations; vaishyas will come, as above.

_ Furthermore, use Ô Đàm Bát La wood and perform homa with barley and the three kinds of sugar; sudras will come, as above.

_ Furthermore, use A Du Ca wood and, as above, perform homa with Bà La Dư wood and the three kinds of sugar. After seven days, the king will come and comply with one’s wishes.

_ Furthermore, use the wood called Bà La Môn Táo Thái as fuel for the homa, together with Bà La Dư wood and the three sweet substances. Proceed as above for seven days, and the princes will come and comply with one’s wishes.

_ Furthermore, use A Du Phạt Đà wood as above. Perform homa with sesame oil and polished rice mixed with ghee, and the five grains will become abundant.

_ Again, use Câu Kỷ wood as above. Use A Du Phạt Đà (Dạ Hợp) for Homa for twenty-one days, and one will quickly be freed from all calamities, untimely misfortunes, and illnesses.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use polished rice, red beans, yellow rice flour, barley, and the three sweet substances for Homa as above, and one will obtain countless kinds of precious treasures.

_ Again, use Bà Lặc Khất Sa wood as above. Use Bà La Dư wood mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa for twenty-one days, and one will obtain an inexhaustible supply of clothing.

_ Again, use Bật Lật Bà wood as above. Use fennel flowers mixed with polished rice and the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day for one month, and one will obtain five estates.

_ Again, use Ca Lị Ni Ca La wood as above. Use Ngọa Đa Na An medicine and ghee for Homa three times each day for one month, and one will obtain immeasurable Tô Bạt Ra Na (pure gold).

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use Dà Đà La wood mixed with curds and honey for Homa as above for twenty-one days, and one will obtain fine horses.

_ Again, use A Du Phạt Đà wood as above. Use Bà La Dư wood mixed with the three kinds of sugar as above for Homa for one month, and one will become wealthy.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use benzoin mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa for twenty-one days, and one will obtain houses, fields, and gardens.

_ Again, use Bật Lị Bà wood as above. Use white mustard seeds mixed with ghee for Homa three times each day for twenty-one days, and oneself and one’s family will be freed from illness.

_ Again, use Vi Na Địa Ca Đa Ca wood as above. Use fennel flowers mixed with ghee and form them into pellets (round balls) for Homa for seven days, and all evil obstructions and difficulties will be eliminated.

_ Again, use Bà Lặc Khất Sa wood as above. Use the fruit of the Ô Đàm Bà La tree mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day for one month, and one will obtain 108 renowned estates.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use lotus seeds mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day, and whatever the mind seeks will be fulfilled according to one’s wishes.

_ Again, use Sam Ma Tha wood as above. Use the fruit of the Bà La Sa tree mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day for one month, and whatever the mind seeks will be fulfilled according to one’s wishes.

_ Again, use Mạt Đa wood as above. Use pomegranates mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day for one month, and one will obtain twenty tracts of fields and gardens.

_ Again, use Tất Lợi Bà (Dạ Hợp) as above. Burn pure cow dung three times each day for one month, and one will obtain one hundred cows.

_ Again, use Ất Ca wood as above. Use various grains mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa three times each day for one month, and whatever one seeks will be obtained. (For the practices above, recite 3,500 times each day.)

I shall now further explain the METHOD FOR PAINTING THE IMAGE: Have a youth undertake the Eight Precepts. Select clean, fine silk of suitable length and width, large or small, measuring two or three inches. Remove all hair and fibers and soak it in fragrant water. The painter must undertake the Eight Precepts and, while painting, must cover his mouth with silk so that his breath does not reach the image.

In the center, paint Amitabha Buddha seated upon a lotus throne or lion throne, sitting in full lotus posture and forming the Dharma-teaching mudra. To his right is Avalokitesvara, and to his left is Mahasthamaprapta. They hold fly-whisks and adorn their bodies in the same manner as in the image method above. The only difference is that above the Buddha and bodhisattvas, paint a white parasol (Bạch Tản Cái), with various jewels suspended all around it. Directly above the center of the parasol, paint Vidyadhara sages scattering precious flowers as offerings like falling rain, while making music, singing, and dancing as offerings.

When the painting is complete, place it within a stupa containing relics or before a relic vessel. At midnight, dawn, and dusk, uphold and recite according to the Dharma until completing one koti recitations. One will immediately attain siddhi and become a king among the Vidyadharas.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as fuel. Take Dụ Tất Bà Na medicine mixed with the three sweet substances and perform Homa 2,500 times for seven days. From the king down to the hundred officials, all will respectfully make offerings of wealth and treasures.

_ Again, use A Sư Phạt Đa wood as above. Take agarwood mixed with the three sweet substances and perform Homa for one month, and nobles will personally come to pay respect and make offerings.

_ Again, use Ất Ca wood as above. Cut white sandalwood into pieces three finger-widths long, and, following the number of sessions stated above, perform Homa for one month. The king will respectfully make offerings of wealth and treasures.

_ Again, use Dà Đà La wood as above. Use pure storax incense for Homa, and high officials will all come to pay respect and make offerings.

_ Again, use Phạt Lợi Đà wood as above. Use benzoin mixed with Huân Giáng incense and the three sweet substances for Homa for one month. The king’s close ministers will show respect, and whatever one seeks will accord with one’s wishes.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use lotus flowers and the three sweet substances for Homa ten thousand times, and one will obtain the result described above.

_ Again, use Dà Đà La wood as above. Form benzoin into pellets the size of jujube fruits, mix them with the three sweet substances, and perform Homa three lakshas of times. One will attain a high official rank.

_ Again, use Ca Lị Tỳ La wood. Use the three sweet substances for Homa two lakshas of times, and one will obtain the result described above.

_ Before the principal deity, without speaking to anyone, recite one koti times, and one will obtain the result described above.

_ Before the principal deity, light one thousand lamps and offer one thousand lotus flowers and one thousand Câu Vật Đầu flowers. Take any kind of flowers that grow in water, five hundred of each kind. Empower the above three kinds of flowers with 800 recitations and offer them to the Buddha image; one will immediately obtain the result described above.

_ Again, before the image, recite 2,500 times each day. After completing six months, one will become supremely honored (honored above all).

_ Again, use A Lị Ca wood as fuel. Pound lotus leaves and mix them with the three sweet substances. Perform Homa three times each day, 2,500 times during each session. After completing six months, one will obtain the result described above.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use blue lotus flowers mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa 2,500 times each day. After completing three months, one will become a chief minister.

_ Again, use A Du Ca wood as above. Use ten thousand lotus flowers for ten thousand Homa offerings, and one will attain a high official rank.

_ Again, use Mạt Đà wood as above. Use Cù Ma Di mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa 2,500 times each day, and one will obtain the result described above.

_ Again, use red sandalwood as above. Use Ca Tỳ La flowers mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa for one month, and A Địa Để Yết Ra Ha will not arise.

_ Again, use Bà La Dư wood as above. Use Xà Trí Bà Mộc Na flowers for Homa three times each day as above for a full month, and A Lợi Ca Yết Ra Ha will not arise.

_ Again, use Dà Đà La wood as above. Use Ma Lị Ca flowers for Homa three times each day for a full month, and Bố Ra Yết Ra Ha will not arise.

_ Again, use Mạt Đà wood as above. Use Bà Đa Ra flowers mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa for a full month, and Phạt Lợi Ha Tất Phật Để Yết Ra Ha will not arise.

_ Again, use A Phạt Lị Ma Lị Ca wood as above. Use Do Để Ca flowers mixed with the three sweet substances for Homa for a full month, and Du Ca La Yết Ra Ha will not arise.

_ Again, use Bà Lặc Khất Sa wood as above. Use Đa Ca La flowers and the three sweet substances for Homa for twenty-one days, and Yết Ra Ha together with all Nõa Khất Bà Đa Ra will not arise.

At that time, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara again addressed the Buddha, saying: “I shall now further explain the METHOD FOR PAINTING THE IMAGE. Use white silk free of hair and fibers, preparing and protecting it as described above. The painter must undertake the Eight Precepts. In the center, paint Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, with his left hand holding a red lotus flower and his right hand extended downward, bestowing water upon hungry ghosts. His hair is bound in a topknot, his body is clothed in white garments, and various precious necklaces adorn his body as described above. He sits in full lotus posture upon a lotus flower. To the left, paint Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta. To the right, paint Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. Each holds a white fly-whisk.

“When the painting is complete, place it within a relic stupa, facing west. According to one’s ability, continuously make offerings of incense and flowers without interruption, and recite until completing one koti recitations. All untimely deaths and evil obstructions and difficulties will be eliminated, or the Holy One will manifest bodily and reveal the methods for dispelling them.

_ Again, before the image, empower each Xà Trí Bà Mạt Na flower with one recitation and offer it. Afterward, lie upon a grass seat before the image. In a dream, one will behold the Holy One, who will fully explain everything one seeks.

_ Again, make offerings according to the Dharma with one koti Ca Lị Tì La, and one will attain a high official rank endowed with great power.”

_ Again, offer one koti of Xà Trí Bà Mạt Na flowers; one will immediately behold the Noble One, hear the Dharma, become free from all poisonous harm, and no poison whatsoever will adhere to one’s body. At the end of one’s life, one will be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

_ Again, for twenty-one days, offer twenty-five Vật Lị Ca flowers and 2,500 Câu Vật Đầu flowers; one will immediately attain the highest rank and position.

_ Again, offer ten thousand Dư Địa Ca flowers; one will attain a high official position close to the king.

_ Again, offer 2,500 Đốt Lị Bạt Ca flowers; upon completing twenty-one days, one will attain longevity.

_ Again, offer 2,500 Ất Ca flowers each day; upon completing one month, one will likewise attain the result described above.

_ Again, at night, offer 2,500 Xà Trí Bà Mạt Na flowers before the image; one will be victorious in disputes.

_ Again, during the first watch of the night, place various kinds of grain seeds in an earthenware bowl before the image and cover them with Xà Trí Bạt Na flowers. Empower them through 2,500 recitations during the three periods of the day: the first watch, midnight, and early morning. At dawn, after rinsing the mouth and brushing the teeth, empower a tooth-cleaning twig through 8,000 recitations. Then take the seeds from the bowl and hold them in the mouth; one will immediately attain eloquence and prevail in every debate.

_ Again, before the image, fill an earthenware bowl with Hồ Thúc. During the first watch, empower it through 8,000 recitations until dawn. Empower the water used to wash the Hồ Thúc through 1,000 recitations and hold it in the mouth; whatever one says, everyone will listen and no one will contradict it.

_ Again, before the image, place Ngưu Hồng in an earthenware bowl and cover it with fragrant flowers. At midnight, empower it through 1,000 recitations. In the morning, after bathing and rinsing the mouth, empower it through 800 recitations and wash the Ngưu Hồng. Apply a dot of it to the forehead, and everyone who sees one will be respectful.

_ Again, before the image, place Sa Đa Bố Sa Bà and Bạt Lị Dựng Ca in an earthenware bowl and cover them with fragrant flowers. During the three watches of the night, empower them through 2,500 recitations. At dawn, take the substance and anoint the body with it. Wherever one goes, one will be treated with respect, and even fierce people will become joyful.

_ Again, before the image, take Na Dà Chỉ Bát flowers (dragon flowers), calamus root, and Phạt Lị Dựng Ca Tất Lị Sa Đa Ca Đa Yết; grind them into powder and mix them together. Place the mixture in an earthenware bowl and cover it with fragrant flowers. At midnight, empower it through 2,500 recitations. At dawn, instruct a virgin girl dressed in white to sit upon a clean stone and anoint her body with the medicine; she will immediately attain the result described above.

_ Again, before the image, mix together four substances—saffron, agarwood, white sandalwood, and camphor—and place them in an earthenware bowl. Cover them with Sa Mạch Na flowers. At midnight, empower them through 2,500 recitations. In the morning, rub the mixture upon the body; one will immediately attain the result described above.

_ Again, before the image, place three substances—Hỷ Lợi Đà Ra (turmeric root), Ma Nõa Đa Thất Ra (realgar), and Ngưu Hồng—in a bowl. At midnight, empower them through 2,500 recitations. In the morning, take the substance and apply a dot of it to the forehead; everyone who sees one will be respectful.

Now I shall further explain another method for PAINTING AN IMAGE. Take a piece of fine, clean silk free from hair and fibers, and safeguard its purity as described previously. In the center, paint Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated upon a lotus throne, his body adorned with the seven treasures and clothed in silk robes or white garments. On the left, paint a noose and Đát Di Ca Tất Địa. On the right, paint Mount Sumeru. At the foot of the mountain, paint the surrounding ocean. Above the Bodhisattva, paint clouds, and within the clouds paint celestial rishis scattering various flowers as offerings.

When the painting is complete, go to the bank of a river, the seashore, or a spring. Place the image facing west and recite one koti as before; one will immediately become a king among the vidyadharas.

_ Again, before the image, recite three and a half lakshas; one will attain an exalted station. Recite one laksha; one will attain the rank of a great general.

_ Furthermore, recite 2,500 times each day. If this is done every morning at dawn, one will receive four Chi Lợi Ba Bán Na each day. In the morning, on the twelfth or thirteenth day of the bright fortnight, observe the Eight Precepts and recite ten thousand times; one will attain an official position. At a crossroads, light four bowls of lamps, make offerings of butter and milk, and so forth, and recite 2,500 times. Then sleep beneath a tree. During the night, a yakshini will appear in a dream and say: “Venerable One! Is there anything you need me to help you with?” Reply that she is to become a mother or a sister. The yakshini will then comply with one’s wish.

_ Observe the Eight Precepts and, beneath an A Sư Đà tree, recite three lakshas before the image while burning incense and offering flowers, fruit, glutinous rice, and so forth. Recite without interruption. At that time, a young yaksha resembling a brahmin will appear and say: “Venerable One! Is there any task you need me to perform?” Say: “Become my servant.” He will immediately serve, and whatever one commands will be accomplished. If the rite is not performed in accordance with the Dharma, it will not succeed. This is called the Method for Subjugating a Messenger.

_ Again, place the image beneath a Tỳ Lê Lặc tree. Mix together five substances—kitten dung, pungent oil, sesame oil, black beans, and golden sand—and burn the mixture while reciting ten thousand times. A spirit will then appear. The practitioner must not be afraid, but should say: “Become my messenger.” Even when ordered to perform difficult or arduous tasks, it will not dare to disobey.

_ Bring the image before an asura cave and recite one koti according to the Dharma. An asura maiden will appear and lead one into the palace. One will attain mastery, live for one kalpa, and behold Maitreya Buddha.

_ Using gold, silver, or fragrant wood, make an image of Avalokitesvara six finger-joints in height, with the left hand holding a lotus and the right hand displaying the gesture of fearlessness. When it is completed, place it within a relic stupa. First, one must recite two lakshas. Then make a small casket from A Du Ca wood. Place Ma La Đa La inside the small casket and set it before the image, making offerings according to the Dharma. Establish the ritual boundary, protect the body, maintain uninterrupted mindfulness, and recite until a sound issues from within the stupa. Immediately take that medicine and apply drops of it to the eyes. One will then live for one kalpa, become a king among the vidyadharas, and attain mastery.

_ Take the milk of a yellow cow that has only one calf, make cream from it, and place it in a copper vessel. Use Lợi Đa La An Đồ Na Ma Na Đa Thi La flowers. Also take gold powder, Du Thạch powder, and copper powder; mix all these substances together, place them in the copper vessel, and empower them until fire emerges. Immediately take one pellet and place it in the mouth; one will attain longevity.

_ Again, using gold, silver, or fine iron, make according to the Dharma a sword, a wheel, a necklace, other precious objects, or a bowl. Place these objects upon an A Sư Phạt Đà leaf and recite without interruption until the objects begin to move. Immediately take hold of them; one will become an immortal vidyadhara and live for one kalpa. One will behold the Noble One and hear the Dharma expounded, thereby attaining liberation.

_ Again, mix Ngưu Huỳnh, An Xà Na, and Đa Lợi Rô Ha together, form them into a pill, and hold it in the mouth. Recite without rest before the Buddha image until the eyes of the image move; one will immediately attain pure and unhindered vision.

_ Before the image, recite three lakshas and offer one hundred thousand lotus flowers. Afterward, recite one koti. Sleep at the place of recitation. In a dream, one will behold Amitabha Buddha and the bodhisattvas, hear the Dharma expounded, and attain the stage of a non-retrogressing bodhisattva.

Now I shall further explain the Method for MOLDING AN IMAGE. Use clean yellow clay to make an image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva one or two cubits in height. Before the image, make a round hearth. In front of the hearth, form various kinds of incense into small pellets like bullets. Take cow dung that has not yet fallen to the ground and fashion it into a human figure. With a sharp knife, cut that figure into pieces and place them one by one into the homa hearth until the entire figure has been consumed. Perform this during the three periods of each day for one month. Whomever one brings to mind will revere one as a servant regards a master.

_ Again, use various kinds of incense to make a human figure, and kindle a fire with A Du Ca wood. For a man, begin with the right foot; for a woman, begin with the left foot. With a sharp knife, cut off pieces and offer them in the homa for one month. Whatever that person sees or hears will accord with one’s will.

_ Again, use yellow rice flour to mold a human figure and kindle a fire with Bà La Ca wood. Cut up the figure and perform the homa as described above. Upon completing one month, all spirits will respectfully make offerings in accordance with one’s wishes. They will also bestow wealth, treasures, and the five grains.

_ Again, use sesame oil to make a human figure and kindle a fire with brahmin firewood. Perform the homa as described above for twenty-one days; then all rakshasas will respectfully comply whenever called to mind.

_ Again, make a human figure from non-glutinous rice, burn Madaka wood, and perform homa as above for twenty-one days; the attainment described above will be obtained.

_ Again, make a human figure from fresh ghee and burn Asvattha firewood for one month; the attainment described above will be obtained.

_ Again, make a human figure from cooked non-glutinous rice mixed with butter, burn Palāśa firewood, and perform homa as above for a full month; one will be honored by the devas.

_ Again, make a human figure from curds mixed with cooked rice, burn Aśoka wood, and perform homa as above for a full month; one will be honored by Garuḍa, the Golden-Winged Bird.

_ Again, make a human figure from red mustard and wild rice, burn Khadira firewood, and perform homa as above for a full month; one will be honored by the gandharvas.

_ Again, take white silk-cotton and honey, mix them together, and make a human figure; burn Samaya wood as above and perform homa for one month. Maheśvara and his retinue will then honor one.

_ Again, mix pure sesame oil or sesame-oil residue with barley flour and make a human figure. Perform homa as above, and all malicious ghosts and spirits will be subdued and will not dare disobey one’s commands.

I shall now teach other methods. Before a stupa containing relics, recite 2,500 times, and one will accomplish the Varuṣiva rite; all the attainments described above will be accomplished.

_ With utmost sincerity, recite mentally. This can eliminate all evil karmic obstructions within the body. When auspicious dreams appear, know that the karma has been eliminated. Again, enter the sea or a river until the water reaches the navel and recite two lakṣas. The Noble One will then manifest bodily and teach the Dharma of merit and the various gateways of wholesome Dharma.

_ Each day, make offerings to the Noble One and recite mentally twenty-one times; all karmic offenses and obstructions will be eliminated. Recite mentally and visualize the mind becoming stupas, up to eight hundred of them; at death, one will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Construct a stupa ten feet high and recite eight hundred times before it; all offenses will be eliminated, and at death one will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

_ Before or after eating, whether walking, standing, lying down, or sitting, single-mindedly recollect and recite it. One will thereby attain the stage of a non-retrogressing bodhisattva and behold Avalokiteśvara at the time of death.

_ Without constructing a stupa, mentally visualize a stupa and recite ten thousand times before it. Mentally visualize various offerings, and all grave offenses will be extinguished.

_ If one recollects and recites it for the benefit and happiness of sentient beings, all wholesome Dharmas will be accomplished.

I shall now teach other methods. Either before a stupa containing relics or on a mountaintop, make a great offering before Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, personally undertake the Eight Precepts, eat barley and drink milk, and recite three and a half lakṣas. One will thereby accomplish the Phalivāśiva rite.

_ Again, on the first day of the first lunar month or the full-moon day of the second lunar month, undertake and uphold the Eight Precepts, make offerings to the Noble One, and recite eight thousand times. One will attain siddhi and mastery in all undertakings.

_ Again, on the first day of the first lunar month, make offerings to the Noble One and burn agarwood incense. Use eight thousand flowers possessing abundant fragrance, reciting once over each flower and striking the heart of the image with it, continuing throughout the night. One will then behold the Noble One. If one does not behold the Noble One, one will obtain five hundred liang of suvarṇa gold.

_ Again, perform homa with cow ghee for seven days, completing eight thousand recitations. One will be honored by the rājan, the king.

_ Again, use Manāla wood to make a figure and adorn it with various jewels. Kindle a fire with brahmin wood and perform homa with eight hundred pieces of Marāṇa wood. Whomever one summons at will, whether near or far, will immediately come.

_ Again, use a piece of Aśoka wood six finger-widths long to make a vajra. On a mountaintop, subsist on barley and milk and empower it with three lakṣas of recitation. On the fifteenth day, fast for three days, cover the vajra with leaves of the Aśoka tree, and continue reciting, in whatever number, until a female immortal arrives. The practitioner should immediately rise and make a request, asking her to become a sister, mother, wife, or otherwise. The female immortal will not dare disobey. She will diligently assist and support twelve people, bestow ingots of gold, and grant a lifespan of one thousand years.

_ Again, during a lunar eclipse, fill a clean bowl with cow ghee, cover it with an aśvattha leaf, and empower it without interruption until the eclipse ends. Three signs may appear: movement, smoke, or fire. If it moves, drink it, and one will live for one thousand years, travel five hundred li in a day, and become a lord among invisible immortals. If smoke rises, drink it, and one will immediately become invisible, travel twenty-four finger-widths above the ground, journey one hundred yojanas in a day, and live for one thousand years. If fire appears, drink it, and one will become a vidyādhara immortal of great supernormal power and live for three kalpas.

_ Mix red lotus flowers with the three sweet substances and perform homa ten thousand times. The Auspicious Goddess will manifest within the fire. At that time, holding a lotus flower in both hands, ask her to become one’s mother; wealth will then be obtained as one wishes.

_ Uphold the Eight Precepts, consume white foods, milk, and butter, sit upon a grass seat, and recite eight thousand times. All suffering from hunger and thirst will be eliminated.

_ Enter the water and recite one koṭi times. One will then behold all hidden treasures or the palaces of the asura women; one will be able to afflict the sun, moon, and stars, restrain the nāgas, restore the dead to life, eliminate all poisons, obtain hidden treasures, gather in all sentient beings, and cause sons and daughters to be born. By reciting eight thousand times, one can protect oneself and may also dwell in a nāga palace if desired. By reciting eight thousand times, all enemies and evil persons will be rendered powerless and will not dare cause harm.

_ Before a stupa, recite six lakṣas. Afterward, paint an image and continue recollecting and reciting without interruption until fire issues forth. One will then be able to lead three thousand people through the sky and accomplish all undertakings at will.

_ Undertake the Eight Precepts and, in a pure place, construct a stupa containing relics. Place within the stupa the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, and then recite eight thousand times. Within half a day, one will attain the state of a Vidyārāja, no different from the Noble One. Looking toward the west, one will behold Amitābha Buddha, live for one kalpa, be surrounded by countless vidyādhara immortals, and also receive offerings from Great Brahmā, the Heavenly King.

_ Three times each day, bathe in scented water, put on clean garments, and eat food obtained by alms. Make offerings according to the Dharma and recite three lakṣas. Thereafter, for twenty-three or forty-nine days, mix black sesame oil with the three sweet substances and perform homa eight hundred times. One will obtain one thousand kārṣāpaṇas. Hold calamus root in the mouth and recite without interruption. If heat arises, one will attain intelligence; if smoke arises, one will become invisible; if fire arises, one will ascend into the sky.

_ Use a piece of red sandalwood six or twenty-one finger-widths long to make a tooth-stick. Before the image, recite three lakṣas. On the full-moon day, recollect and recite without interruption before the image until the three signs manifest; one will obtain the attainments described above.

_ On the eleventh day of the first lunar month, undertake the Eight Precepts. Bathe three times each day and recite until completing one lakṣa. Afterward, paint an image whose bodily complexion resembles sandalwood, seated upon a lotus and adorned with every ornament.

Its left hand holds a lotus flower, its right hand holds a fruit, and its body is clothed in white garments. With a compassionate countenance, it looks down upon the practitioner. Then place it within a stupa containing relics and perform one lakṣa of homas with white lotus flowers.

One will immediately become a king among vidyādharas and dwell together with the Noble One. One will be able to journey to the Land of Ultimate Bliss, subdue Brahmā and command him, become lord of the four continents, exercise mastery in all things at will, behold all Buddhas, and live for one kalpa.

_ If one wishes to attain siddhi quickly, one should eat food obtained by alms. Bathe in scented water and recite fifty lakṣas. One will immediately attain siddhi, and everything sought by the mind will be completely fulfilled.

_ Before the image, recite sixteen lakṣas. Afterward, place the image within a stupa containing relics, cover it with white silk, and recollect and recite without interruption until fire emerges. One will then be able to lead one thousand people through the sky.

_ Maintain silence. Before the image, sit upon a grass seat and recite sixteen lakṣas. During the bright fortnight, perform eight thousand homas with utpala wood; this can eliminate all illnesses.

_ Enter the water and recite one lakṣa. One will be able to obtain all hidden treasures beneath the earth, enter the palaces of the asura women, bind all fire deities, summon all nāgas, eliminate all poisons, subdue all malicious sentient beings, and cause sons and daughters to be born.

_ Empower it with 8,000 recitations, and it will be able to subdue enemies and bandits. Using the Three Metals, make a lotus six finger-widths long. Three times each day, bathe and cleanse yourself with fragrant water, and do not speak with anyone. Before the stupa, recite it five lakshas of times. Thereafter, abstain from food for three days and make offerings in accordance with the Dharma. Hold that lotus and recite without interruption. When fire issues forth from the lotus, you will be able to lead 3,000 people through empty space, be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, and dwell together with the noble beings and bodhisattvas.

_ Furthermore, eat barley, bathe three times each day, change your robes three times, and recite one koti of times; you will attain siddhi according to your heart's intent.

_ Furthermore, paint an image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva as described above. On the right, paint Haridari Bodhisattva standing upon a lotus, his body the color of sandalwood and adorned with various jewels, his hair tied in a topknot. He wears a lotus crown and white robes, and, with palms joined, reverently bows to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. After completing the painting, perform a Great Offering and recite three lakshas of times. You will attain siddhi according to your heart's intent. (Whatever thought arises in your heart will immediately be fulfilled.)

At that time, after Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Mahasattva had finished expounding this profound, secret, and wondrous Dharma, the great bodhisattvas, the eight classes of devas and nagas, and all the vajra beings in the great assembly rejoiced exceedingly upon hearing the Dharma, bowed with their heads at his feet, and withdrew.

THE ALŪLIKA SCRIPTURE (End)