Dharma Torch

Chapter Nine: The Rest of Homa

At that time, the Vajrapāṇi Lord of Secrets Bodhisattva, smiled joyfully, with every hair on his body standing on end, held a vajra in his hand, spinning and brandishing it, then hurling it into the sky. He adorned himself with various fragrant flowers, garments, and ornaments. Numerous mantra-holding deities chanted and praised, proceeding to the place where the Buddha resided. They scattered various fragrant flowers, garments, and ornaments upon the Buddha’s crown, circumambulated the Buddha three times, and then prostrated at his feet. Gradually approaching the Buddha, they bared their right shoulders, knelt with the right knee on the ground, joined their palms and said to the Buddha: “World-Honored One! The Tathāgata has now ignited the great torch of Dharma in the world, establishing the King of Dhāraṇī Teachings in Jambudvīpa. Whoever sees or hears this dhāraṇī is equivalent to seeing the Buddha appearing in the world. One should understand the Great Jewel-Extensive Pavilion of Excellent Abiding Secret Great Mudrā Maṇḍala Teaching of the Vidyā King in this way, as spoken by the World-Honored One.

“World-Honored One! Whoever merely hears this dhāraṇī will certainly attain the irreversible path toward unsurpassable bodhi and will swiftly realize unsurpassed complete and perfect enlightenment, thereby liberating themselves from all karmic obstructions. We earnestly request the World-Honored One to proclaim this Mudrā Method of this Dhāraṇī for the sake of sentient beings.” Immediately, he addressed the Buddha with verses:

“How should this secret mudrā be formed?

How should it be placed upon the fingers? How should it be positioned upon the arms?

How should one press hand to hand? How should the mudrā be used to touch, thereby performing empowerment?

How should the mudrā be placed upon the heart?

How should the arms be extended? What is samaya?

What is the Mudrā of Comfort? How can one apply divine power to swiftly accomplish empowerment?

What is the Vajra Seat?

What is the Empowerment Mudrā? What is the Dharma Wheel Mudrā?

How does one uphold the unsurpassed, invincible Secret Mudrā?

What is the Turning Wheel Mudrā and the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Mudrā?

What is the Four Heavenly Kings’ Mudrā? What is the Secret Mudrā of the Auspicious Goddess?

What is the Śaṅkhinī Mudrā and the Messenger Goddess Mudrā?

How does one uphold all the sacred mudrās within the maṇḍala? What is the Mudrā of Invitation?

What is the Root Mudrā, the Heart Mudrā, and the Wish-Fulfilling Mudrā?

All these mudrā methods—I earnestly ask the Great Sage to explain to me.

Because of the formation of these mudrās, all endeavors can be accomplished.

Even merely seeing these mudrās can purify all karmic offenses.

If one practices the mantra path, one can attain the supreme siddhi.

May the Buddha expound the true meaning of forming these mudrās. I implore the World-Honored One to instruct me.”

At that time, Śākyamuni Tathāgata, amidst the great assembly, extended his golden arm, resplendent like the trunk of a royal elephant and adorned with hundreds of thousands of merits and virtues, and placed it upon the crown of Vajrapāṇi Lord of Secrets Bodhisattva’s head, comforting him and saying: “Vajrapāṇi, this Great Jewel-Extensive Pavilion of Excellent Abiding Secret Dhāraṇī – Chapter on Mudrās, you must listen attentively, listen well, listen with utmost care, and contemplate it in your heart. I now entrust this Dharma to you. Toward the chapter on mudrās and the methods for attaining the maṇḍala, you should give rise to profound reverence. In future times, you must respect these Mudrā Chapters, understanding that all mudrās are equivalent to the Tathāgata—just as the Bhagavān approaches the Bodhi site, just as the Dharma Wheel is turned, just as the Buddha’s relics are venerated. In future generations, it must not be transmitted to inferior persons, malicious beings, precept-breakers, the indolent, those whose faith is impure, those with excessive greed, or those who are arrogant and conceited. To such individuals, this teaching should not be revealed. This dhāraṇī is equal to the Tathāgata’s relics and must not be allowed to fall into obscurity. If beings with meager merit hear this Dharma and give rise to slander, know that such slander is no different from slandering the Buddha himself. Therefore, Vajrapāṇi, you must diligently uphold and protect this dhāraṇī. Wherever it abides is no different from the Buddha’s personal presence.”

At that moment, Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva prostrated at the Buddha’s feet and said: “World-Honored One! It is exactly as you say. The Dharma spoken by the World-Honored One—I shall certainly receive, uphold, and earnestly venerate and offer to repay the Buddha’s kindness. I earnestly request the World-Honored One to proclaim it for me. I shall certainly safeguard the Tathāgata’s samaya without ever violating, abandoning, or doubting it, so that mantra-holders may swiftly attain accomplishment.”

Then, the Bhagavān, fully mindful and aware, amidst the great assembly, proclaimed the method for practicing this Great Jewel-Extensive Pavilion of Excellent Abiding Secret Dhāraṇī – Chapter on Great Mudrās using auspicious ritual: “A mantra-holder must first bathe according to the Dharma, drink the five kinds of purified substances, empower and protect the body according to the prescribed method, and wear new, clean garments. First, apply white sandalwood paste all over the arms. Then anoint the sacred cord with turmeric and bind it. Armlets and kusha grass rings should be worn on the right arm. One should choose a quiet place, far from disturbance, and establish a sanctum. Or, before a stūpa or a Buddha image, face the east and sit in the auspicious posture or the full-lotus posture. First, generate great loving-kindness toward all sentient beings, bearing deep compassion. Then recite the Root Dhāraṇī, followed by the Heart Dhāraṇī and the Wish-Fulfilling Dhāraṇī. Offer flower garlands and burn incense in veneration of all Tathāgatas, as well as offering to those noble ones who cherish sentient beings, such as the Vajra Holder, Avalokiteśvara, Mañjuśrī, and Maitreya. Prostrate to all the Tathāgatas in the ten directions. During the offerings, join both palms together in reverence. One should say: ‘Buddhas abiding in the ten directions, please receive me. To all World-Honored Ones of past, present, and future who pervade the ten directions, and to all Bodhisattvas of great power—I now pay reverent homage.’

oṃ muni maṇipravara pravali guhya padme mahāprabhe svāhā

“Then, form the Universal Radiance Jewel-Pure Tathāgata Heart Mudrā. First, use the right thumb to press upon the fingernail of each index finger, forming a circular shape, with the other three fingers extended. Next, extend the left index finger, bend the thumb and press it against the fingernails of the remaining three fingers. Bring both hands together, facing each other, and place them in front of the heart.

“One should maintain inner stillness, physical composure, and dignified posture, and visualize the image of the Buddha.

“Let the gaze be tranquil, the body unmoving. When samādhi is stabilized, there is no wavering. While forming the mudrā, recite the mantra twenty-one times.

oṃ sarva tathāgatā hridaya maṇi jvalani aviṣṭaya hūṃ

“Merely by forming this mudrā, one is holding the heart-mudrā of all Tathāgatas, accumulating vast merit equal to the number of Buddhas as numerous as the dust like hundreds of thousands of nayutas of the Ganges’ sands. If a virtuous man or woman, a bhikṣu or bhikṣunī, or a upasaka or upāsikā were to use the seven precious substances sufficient to fill the three thousand great thousand worlds, along with celestial garments, scented oils, powdered incense, burning incense, flower garlands, jeweled ornaments, various ritual adornments, banners, canopies, and treasure umbrellas, to make offerings to each Buddha for a full hundred kalpas—even after all that, the merit they gain would not compare to even one-hundredth of the merit produced by a single recitation of the mantra while forming this mudrā. Even if there were Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, they could not fully describe the magnitude of merit this mudrā bestows.

“This mudrā possesses such immense power and divine might that merely forming it, reciting the mantra, and visualizing all beings in the hell realms allows those beings to gain liberation. Through such contemplation and practice, one is reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Likewise, beings of the asura realm, Yama’s domain, and the animal realm are all liberated from bodily defilements; their past and present lives become purified. All Tathāgatas will gather to protect and uphold them, allowing them to directly behold the Tathāgatas. This is entirely due to the supernormal power of forming this Universal Radiance Jewel-Pure Tathāgata Mudrā.”

“Next, form the “All-Tathāgata Heart Mudrā,” also known as the “Mudrā of Consolation for All Tathāgatas.” First, rest the left elbow on the thigh with the palm facing upward. Then bend the ring and little fingers and press them down with the thumb. The right-hand mudrā remains unchanged as before. With a frowning expression and wrathful gaze directed inward toward oneself, lean the body slightly forward and gently bite the lower lip. Chant this mantra:

oṃ sarva tathāgata pravarani ramaṇi huṃ

“By merely forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, one can enter the entire samaya-maṇḍala of all Tathāgatas and become a practitioner who understands all samayas. If someone has accumulated karmic obstructions over hundreds of thousands of kalpas, merely seeing this mudrā can immediately eliminate them and shut the doors to all evil destinies. At this moment, it is equivalent to forming and reciting the mantra for one hundred forty thousand koṭi nayuta hundreds of thousands of Buddhas’ great samādhi mudrās, and it is also equivalent to forming the mudrā of all Tathāgata families. All yakṣas, rākṣasas, bhūtas, vināyakas—these hordes of malevolent spirits—will be incinerated like fuel in a blazing fire. All obstructive forces will prostrate to the ground and submit to the samaya, not daring to defy it. All devas will prostrate at the feet of the reciter and abide within the samaya. Merely seeing or hearing this mudrā enables one to become a practitioner who comprehends all samayas. Even evil nāgas will submit and remain within the samaya, not daring to transgress. There will be no samaya, secret maṇḍala, or ritual protocol that remains unknown; all will be realized. Because of forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, even malevolent people who show no reverence for the Dharma, heretics, hostile enemies, and those who harm beings will give rise to loving-kindness and deep reverence. All afflictive minds driven by malice will be eradicated. They will become practitioners endowed with samaya, free from all karmic obstructions, take refuge in the Three Jewels, attain vast merit, be free from illness, and eliminate all miserliness, afflictions, and defilements.

“Next is the formation of the ‘All Tathāgatas’ Universal Great Jewel Samaya Secret Great Mudrā.’”

“First, place the right hand on the right knee, press the thumbnail with the thumb. Then, turn the left palm upward and place it horizontally at the heart center, using the thumb to press the nails of the middle and ring fingers, while extending the index finger and little finger. Arouse loving-kindness, keep the eyes open and abide in stability, then immediately recite the mantra:

oṃ sarva tathāgatābhi saṃbhodhana vajre hūṃ

“As long as this mudrā is formed and the mantra is recited, one will obtain the consolation of all Tathāgatas. All Buddhas will praise, saying, “Excellent!” and extend their hands to touch the crown of the head in affection, like a parent cherishing a child. This person then becomes the child of all Tathāgatas, receiving the joint consolation of hundreds of koṭis of nayutas of Ganges-sands-numbered Buddhas. All karmic obstructions of this person are purified; all afflictions are completely eradicated; all bodhisattvas will venerate him; all deities will attend and protect him; all ghosts, spirits, yakṣas, and rākṣasas will not dare to disturb him. The obstructive beings known as vināyakas who create all sorts of hindrances will not dare to cause harm and will scatter in all directions. Sentient beings who see this mudrā will all give rise to loving-kindness without doubt. Upon seeing the mantra-holder forming this supreme mudrā, know that the Buddhas and bodhisattvas are present to offer comfort. When one recites this mantra, it should be known to be the voice of the Buddha, equivalent to that of all Buddhas. The speech of the Buddha is extremely profound and difficult to hear. If there is a virtuous man, virtuous woman, bhikṣu, bhikṣuṇī, upasaka, upasikā, or a mantra-holder who sits in the lotus position, forms the mudrā , and recites the mantra—whoever sees the person holding this mantra is just like seeing sixty-two Ganges-sands-numbered hundred thousand koṭis of nayutas of Tathāgatas, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly Enlightened Ones. One should not give rise to doubt, but instead should make offerings to this person, present robes and requisites, regard him with reverence as if he were a great master, and view the mantra-holder as equivalent to the Buddhas. Know that this person is equivalent to the Buddhas; all supreme aspirations and wishes will be fulfilled. If in a single instant one forms the mudrā and recites the mantra, with loving-kindness universally pervading all sentient beings of the six realms of cyclic existence—whether two-legged, four-legged, or many-legged beings—and contemplates them with compassion, then those beings in cyclic existence and the animal realm will all be consoled and will soon attain Buddha-bodhi, protected by the devas. This person will become a master of samaya in all maṇḍalas, able to recite all mantras and form all mudrās.

“Next is the formation of the ’All Tathāgatas’ Adorned Great Jewel Light Empowerment Secret Great Mudrā ’. Place both hands with the right over the left, the backs of the hands crossing each other. Bend both index fingers into hooks, raise both little fingers straight upward, and curl both thumbs into the palms. Sit in the lotus position and place the mudrā at the navel. The body should incline slightly to the right, furrow the brows, gaze with stillness. Visualize all Buddhas abiding in great loving-kindness, reciting the mantra, having compassion for all sentient beings. Visualize the bodily forms of the Buddhas and raise the mudrā to the top of the head. While forming the mudrā, recite the three syllables ‘Om’ , ‘hūm’, and ‘phaṭ’.

“After forming the mudrā, recite ‘Om’ to empower the Bodhi place, recite ‘hūm’ to empower the turning of the Dharma wheel, recite ‘phaṭ’to empower the Bodhi tree, making it unshakable like Mount Sumeru. All Tathāgatas will bestow empowerment, all Buddhas will confer predictions, all places will be blessed for both humans and devas. This person’s body becomes pure, like sunlight shining upon a maṇi jewel, free from all karmic defilements, increasing in the accumulation of merit. Wherever this person resides becomes like a stūpa. Because of forming this mudrā, it becomes equivalent to a Bodhi place, empowered by the Buddhas, who empower the bodhisattvas of the Ten Grounds and also empower those on the stage of non-retrogression. It can purify karmic obstacles from past lives, liberate one from all evil destinies, close the gates of hell, and open the gates of the heavens. This person plants roots of virtue in the presence of seventy-two Ganges-sands-numbered koṭis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of Buddhas and receives predictions. All ghosts, spirits, yakṣas, rākṣasas, and nāgas will be terrified. The vināyakas who create obstacles will prostrate themselves on the ground as if being burned by raging fire. All other difficult-to-subdue beings will undoubtedly be subdued. This mudrā is rare to see and rare to hear. It can eliminate all karmic defilements and the eight great hells, accomplish all mantra teachings, and allow entry into all maṇḍalas and all samaya mudrās. Whatever is spoken by the Tathāgata will be empowered, and one will also be able to empower all mudrās and accomplish unsurpassed Buddha-bodhi. As long as this mudrā is formed, all places will always receive empowerment. The mantra is:

oṃ sarva tathāgata dhiṣṭāna maṇi maṇi hūṃ phaṭ

“Next is the formation of the ‘Tathāgata Jewel Great Vajra Establishment of the Vajra Lion Throne Mudrā’:

“First, one should assume the vajra seated posture. Form the vajra joining palms mudrā. Visualize oneself transformed into the shape of a vajra, with the body leaning slightly forward, imagining all the pores of the body making contact with all existences. Then, join the palms together, bend both index fingers so their tips lightly touch the thumbnails, extend both middle fingers straight upward like a vajra, extend both ring fingers straight upward, and fold both little fingers against the back of the ring fingers. Touch the ground with this mudrā, then touch both knees, and finally place it at the navel. This is named the ‘Universal Vajra Lion Throne Mudrā.’

“At this moment, the earth becomes solid as vajra; all directions are encircled as if by walls of vajra, and this place becomes the seat of all Tathāgatas. Due to the empowerment of all Tathāgatas, this site transforms into a Vajra Throne Pavilion, indestructible by any difficult-to-subdue beings. The one who holds this mudrā gains fearlessness in all places; obstructive vināyakas and all types of māras are subdued and scattered. Powerful obstructive yakṣas and rākṣasas all withdraw and stay away; formless and difficult-to-subdue beings, vengeful enemies and evil persons are all eradicated.

“Those who form this mudrā are revered and loved by all male and female sentient beings; kings and their royal consorts all rejoice; all beings on earth yield and submit without resistance, day and night without interruption. Due to the Buddhas’ empowerment, this place becomes a Vajra Jeweled Palace, establishing the Lion Throne. Empowered by the miraculous powers of the Buddhas, Vajra Lion Thrones manifest in the presence of countless hundreds of thousands of Tathāgatas, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Enlightened Ones, equal to the number of dust particles in koṭis of Ganges rivers. Merely by forming this mudrā, it is equivalent to making an offering of vajra seats to countless Tathāgatas, and one receives the empowerment of all Tathāgatas’ divine powers. Beings in hell, the animal realm, the Yama realm, hungry ghosts, asuras, and all hell beings who are bound and oppressed by karmic vajra walls due to past life karma—all their karmic defilements are eradicated, their bodies purified, and they attain the vajra indestructible body. Those who form the mudrā and recite the mantra attain liberation from all evil destinies and karmic sins. The mantra is:

oṃ sarva tathāgata pravara maṇirucili hūṃ hūṃ phaṭ

“Next is the formation of the ‘All Tathāgatas’ Great Jewel-Originating Consecration Great Mudrā’:

“Join both palms together in the shape of a vajra. Slightly spread the index fingers, bend the middle fingers so their joints meet, extend the ring fingers straight upward like a vajra, and press the thumbnails against the nails of the little fingers. Sit in auspicious lotus posture and place the mudrā atop the crown of the head. One should then recite this mantra:

oṃ sarva tathāgata vimala saṃbhave hūṃ hūṃ

“Merely forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, the mantra-holder immediately receives empowerment from all Tathāgatas—limitless in number like micro-particles of sixty-eight hundred thousand Ganges-sands—Tathāgatas, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Enlightened Ones—through the miraculous empowerment of all Tathāgatas. It is as if the Buddhas themselves have tied undefiled jeweled scarves upon one’s head, and conferred empowerment through all maṇḍala mudrās and mantras, thereby perfecting boundless asaṅkhyeya merit and attaining immeasurable roots of virtue. All bodhisattvas, Vajra-wielders, and mantra-holding deities bestow hundreds of thousands of empowerments upon one’s crown; all devas, nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kiṁnaras, mahoragas, and the Four Great Heavenly Kings likewise bestow empowerment upon the mantra-holder. Among all mantra-holding deities, the Wheel-Turning Holy Kings also bestow empowerment. One thereby receives the supreme empowerment as the foremost spiritual son of all Tathāgatas; one receives the samaya secret maṇḍala empowerment of all Tathāgatas and achieves empowerment through the secret Dharma of the Great Jewel-Extensive Pavilion.

“All enemies and obstructors—vināyakas, wicked yakṣas, rākṣasas, bhūtas, and various ghosts and spirits—will not be able to see the mantra-holder. The one who recites is like empty space, invisible and traceless, able to reach before all Tathāgatas in all buddha-fields of the ten directions. Adorned with vast cloths and jeweled ornaments, a crown gloriously decorated, one makes a vast ocean of offerings at the sites of all Tathāgatas, thus accomplishing offering-empowerment. By merely forming this mudrā, one attains such miraculous, sovereign roots of virtue, and perfects such great majesty and vast merit.”

“Next is the formation of the ‘All Tathāgatas’ Luminous Great Jewel Blazing Dharma Wheel Subjugation Empowerment Mudrā of Miraculous Power’:

“Place both palms joined at the heart position. Use the thumb of the right hand to pinch the index finger’s nail, with the other three fingers extended straight and covering the heart. Bend the left thumb into the palm and pinch the nail of the middle finger, while the other three fingers are slightly curved. Press the backs of the two hands together, with the palm of the left hand facing forward. Sit in the lotus posture and recite the mantra.

“Abide in the samādhi of loving-kindness, with the mind calm and silent. By forming this mudrā, one can turn the pure Great Dharma Wheel, causing the three thousand great thousand worlds to undergo six kinds of tremors. All Buddhas and bodhisattvas will observe the mantra-holder. The Vajra-Hand Bodhisattva will give rise to joy in his heart and, together with the host of devas and the mantra-holding Wheel-Turning Kings, will constantly come to guard and serve the mantra-holder. The Four Great Heavenly Kings will always protect the four directions, day and night, and all Tathāgatas will continuously empower him.

“By turning the Dharma Wheel, all sentient beings will transcend all obstacles, and the obstructive vināyakas will be subjugated. If the mantra-holder maintains this mudrā, his mind will attain tranquility and be free from various hindrances. Such a person is equivalent to the Tathāgata appearing in the world and turning the Great Dharma Wheel, just like sitting at the Bodhimaṇḍa turning the Great Dharma Wheel. I see that this person is equal to the Buddhas and should be offered to, with the resulting merit being equal to that of offering to the Buddha.

“The one who recites should maintain a pure mind, always giving rise to compassion for all beings. One should form the mudrā and recite the mantra, slightly furrowing the brows, lips and teeth gently closed, and visualize the image of the Buddha as if turning the Dharma Wheel. In the mind, think thus: to subdue all māras and suppress various obstacles. Due to forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, one can ignite the great Dharma torch, raise the great Dharma banner, beat the great Dharma drum, blow the great Dharma conch, and let out the great lion’s roar of the Master, thus increasing the accumulation of merit.

“Just by forming this mudrā, it is equivalent to forming the secret mantra mudrā of eighty koṭis of Ganges-sands-numbered Buddhas. These Tathāgatas will also empower one with their miraculous might and unanimously praise, “Excellent! Excellent!” and grant the prediction of bodhi. The mantra is:

oṃ sarva tāthāgata samaya maṇivajre hūṃ hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the “Unsurpassable Mudrā”. Use the right thumb to touch the tip of the index finger, bending to form a ring shape, with the other three fingers extended straight. Do the same with the left hand. Raise both hands so that the extended fingers touch each other, with the little fingers aligned at the level of the navel. Furrow the brows and gaze downward at the body. Place the right foot over the left foot. Gaze sideways with slanted eyes. While reciting the mantra, lift the right foot and touch the ground with the big toe.

“Due to just now forming the mudrā and reciting the mantra, all māras and their entire retinue will be subdued, victory will be obtained, and all obstructive vināyakas, even the formless yakṣas and rākṣasas, will be conquered. One will become completely unhindered in dealing with all enemies, and all hostile enemies will be subdued. Freed from all afflictions, suffering, and hauntings of the ghostly realms, within one’s body, greed, hatred, delusion, and all other defilements will become quiescent.

“Due to just having formed this mudrā, one will be liberated from all sins and will attain victory wherever one goes. One will accomplish the mantra Dharma without obstacles, bring all activities to fulfillment without hindrance, be free from all illnesses, and ultimately realize bodhi. In all places, devas from the ten directions will provide protection. The Unsurpassable mantra is:

oṃ sarva tāthāgatā jaya vijaya arita vajre hūṃ hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the ‘All Tathāgatas’ Turning of the Dharma Wheel Mudrā’.

“First, make a fist with the right hand by wrapping the fingers around the thumb. Do the same with the left hand. Place the right fist atop the left fist. Due to the formation of this mudrā, all Tathāgatas will give their mudrā of approval. It is as though countless Ganges-sands-numbered koṭis of hundreds of thousands of Tathāgatas all rejoice and bestow the supreme siddhi. These Tathāgatas will certainly manifest their bodies. This person will become a Wheel-Turning King among all mantra-holding deities, mastering all mantras, mudrās, and Dharma teachings in his heart, and achieving the highest realization in all maṇḍalas. All devas from the ten directions will support and protect him.

oṃ sarva tathāgata dharmma dhātu mahā maṇi śikhare hara hara hūṃ hūṃ phaṭ

“Next is the formation of the Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva Mudrā:

“First, join the palms together. Place the right middle finger over the left middle finger and interlock them inward. The index fingers and thumbs form the shape of a vajra. Raise the two ring fingers so their tips touch each other. Extend the two thumbs straight upward. Spread the little fingers apart. Raise the left elbow and lower the right elbow. Turn the head to gaze at the left elbow. Press the right foot over the left in a half-lotus posture, slightly extend the left leg, make a wrathful expression by furrowing the brows and glaring with angry eyes, and bite the lower lip with the teeth. From the throat, emit the sound “hūm,” while silently reciting the mantra in the heart. Visualize oneself as Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva. Merely by forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, the Thirty-Three Heavens will be greatly alarmed, all heavenly palaces will tremble, all yakṣas, rākṣasa kings, and the hard-to-subdue nāgas, spirits, vināyakas, and various obstructive beings will fall to the ground, wailing and fleeing in all directions. Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva will greatly rejoice and bestow siddhi upon the practitioner. The mantra teachings will be fully accomplished, and the accumulation of merit will increase. The mantra-holder will become sovereign among all practitioners. If one can align this with samādhi, bathe and purify the body, apply fragrant ointments, and wear new, clean robes, then all Buddhas, the Tathāgatas, will observe this person, and the entire sacred assembly of the maṇḍalas will greatly rejoice. The mantra is:

oṃ sarva tathāgata mahā vajrā jvara avaya dhara dhara hūṃ hūṃ phaṭ

“Next is the formation of the Jewel Vajra Bodhisattva Mudrā:

“Keep the previous hand mudrā, simply spread the two index fingers apart. Place the hand mudrā in front of the heart and sit in lotus posture. Arouse compassion, gaze softly and quietly, and chant the mantra with dignified gentleness. According to the practitioner’s aspiration, all wishes can be fulfilled. The Vajra-Hand Bodhisattva will always be joyful and regard this person as his beloved child. The mantra is:

oṃ dhuru dhuru maṇi maṇi mahā minyutamaṇi svāhā

“Next is the formation of the Four Great Heavenly Kings Mudrā:

“First, place the right hand at the navel. Bend the thumb into the palm and press the tip of the thumb with the index finger, while the remaining three fingers extend straight. Place the left hand on the left thigh, extend the index finger, and curl the remaining three fingers into a fist around the thumb, forming a ready stance. Bend the body slightly forward and gaze at the right hand with a wrathful expression, the eyes wide open. Recite this mantra:

oṃ lokepālite jaya jaya hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the Mudrā of Mahāśrī Devī:

“First, join both palms in hollow. The index fingers, middle fingers, and ring fingers of both hands are spread apart and slightly bent, resembling a blooming lotus. By forming this mudrā and reciting the mantra, one’s every aspiration and wish will be fulfilled. This is the one of great majesty and power. The mantra is:

oṃ vimarāgravati sabhara hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the Mudrā of Śaṅkhinī Devī:

“Place the right hand near the right breast. Extend the index finger straight upward. Bend the thumb into the palm, and slowly curl the middle, ring, and little fingers into a fist. Place the left hand over the left knee, touching the area above the knee. Lean the body forward and glare with angry eyes. Recite this mantra:

oṃ naṣṭriṇi visara hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the Mudrā of the Messenger Devī:

“First, place the right hand facing upward, flat and open, in front of the heart, letting the elbow drop. Then place the left hand, also flat and open, palm down, below the right hand. The backs of the hands face each other. Raise both arms and elbows. Bow the head slightly forward and incline the body. Recite this mantra:

oṃ āgamaya dhīramaṃ cyāṭṭahāsini hūṃ

“Next is the formation of the Mudrā of All Holy Beings in the Maṇḍala:

“Interlock the fingers of both hands by hooking them together and place the hands at the navel. Extend the left leg and press it against the ground to complete the posture. Recite this mantra:

oṃ samantākāla paripuraṇi dhaka dhaka hūṃ phaṭ

“Next is the formation of the Mudrā of the Flower-Tooth Devī:

“First, bend all five fingers of the right hand into the shape of a lotus flower and place it over the left ear. The left hand is placed in front of the heart as described earlier. The mantra is:

oṃ sara sara visarā hūṃ hūṃ

At that time, Vajrapāṇi asked the World-Honored One:

“What is the Root Mudrā? What is the Heart Mudrā? What is the Wish-Fulfilling Mudrā? Please, Muni, explain it to me.”

The World-Honored One said: “Joining both palms and place them at the heart center.

Bend both index fingers and both thumbs to form two rings.

Slightly bend the middle fingers so they resemble a jewel.

Keep the ring fingers upright and joined at the tips. Spread the little fingers apart. This is called the Root Mudrā.

A wise person who forms this mudrā and recites the root mantra is practicing the preliminary stage of the path.

Now I will explain the Heart Mudrā: Raise the right hand, palm facing up, and place it at the heart center.

Join the tips of the thumb and ring finger. The other three fingers are kept extended and relaxed.

Then, with the left hand, press the thumbnail of the little finger with the left thumb. The remaining three fingers are also extended and relaxed, palm facing downward, resting atop the left knee.

This is called the Heart Mudrā, also known as the Mudrā of Consolation. Its function is the same as the Root Mudrā.

Next, the Wish-Fulfilling Mudrā: Follow the same posture as the Heart Mudrā, but instead, join the thumb and index finger to form a ring,

and place it on the left knee as previously described.”

“By forming this mudrā, all activities will be accomplished, all sins eradicated, all afflictions removed, and one will definitely attain Buddha-bodhi in the near future. If someone forms each of these hand mudrās, the resulting merit will be immeasurable. Due to the forming of this mudrā, in front of immeasurable asaṅkhyeya Ganges-sands-numbered koṭis of nayutas of hundreds of thousands of Tathāgatas, Worthy of Offerings, Perfectly and Completely Enlightened Ones, there descends a vast cloud of offerings, including fragrant ointments and powders, floral garlands, garments, banners, canopies, jeweled necklaces, and seven-jeweled ornaments to adorn the offerings made to all Tathāgatas. An array of foods of a hundred flavors arises according to the preferences of each Tathāgata. Medicines and requisites arise according to their wishes, and in front of each Tathāgata, great offerings are made and accomplished. Due to forming the mudrā and reciting the mantra, one becomes equal before all Tathāgatas, instantly drawing their attention in the ten directions. Those Tathāgatas will praise, saying “Excellent!”and bestow prediction. All Tathāgatas will comfort and be delighted to see this person. Vajrapāṇi, the Mantra-Holding Kings, and their entire retinues will protect this person day and night. The Four Great Heavenly Kings will certainly protect his place, and that place becomes equivalent to a stūpa. Because of forming this mudrā, the Tathāgata says that the ground becomes like a śarīra stūpa, and the practitioner attains irreversible progress.

“Therefore, Vajrapāṇi, if there are virtuous men or virtuous women, bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, or upāsikās who have pure faith and hold the mantras, they should arouse the utmost reverence, uphold, read, recite, make offerings, write this oneself and encourages others to write it. One should also form the mudrā. With great faith, with great reverence, and with various offerings, one should make offerings accordingly. Such virtuous men and women, bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, and upāsikās will attain the accomplishment of great merit, perfection in all precepts, great diligence, great patience, perfection in great meditation, perfection in giving, perfection in great wisdom, and the completion of the six pāramitās. If one obtains this dhāraṇī mudrā maṇḍala Dharma, one will accomplish such vast merit.”

After the Buddha spoke this sutra, the Vajrapāṇi bodhisattva mahasattva, along with the entire assembly of devas, nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kiṁnaras, mahoragas, humans, and non-humans, all greatly rejoiced, faithfully accepted, and practiced accordingly.