The Lotus Crown Tantra

7/31/2019 The Lotus Crown Tantra

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The Tibet Journala puh liC ll ti on f o r t he s tu dy o f Tibet

Gyat sh o T s he ri ngEditor-in-Chief

Pen ia KhangsarMana gi ng E d it or

Autumn Vol.XVlII, No.3

ArticlesThe Critical Edition ofYuktisastika-Karika of NagarjunaDr. Bimalendra KumarTibetica CataloguesA ll a n n ot at ed I Ji hl io g ra p l. yo f r ec en t c on tr ib lltio ns o nT ib e ta n L it er a tu r e c o ll ec ti on sAlpo Rat iaCataloguing Tibet 's Li terary HeritageAlpo RaliaThe Lotus Crown TantraDennis CordellThe Spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the WestMassimilano A. Polichett i

Book ReviewsS er va llts o f th e B ud dh a.Willier ill a Hiniatuvan COIll ', ,"I:Anna GrimshawJohn Bray

1993

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The Lotus Crown Tantra

Dennis CordellT RAN SL AT OR S P RE FA CEWhile doing graduate work in Indo-Tibetan studies at ColumbiaUniversity in New York, I had the great pleasure of studyingTibetan language for several years with the Venerable Geshe LamaLozang [arnspal. Knowing of my interest in iconographic andsadhana texts, Lama Jamspal presented me with a copy of the MitraD ali do P hren Gi Lha Tshogs K yi Gtso Bo'i Sk u Bman Mthon Ba DonLdun B shugs which was published by the Ladakh Buddha Vihara inDelhi. The text contains a collection of sadhanas from Abhayakara-gupta's Vajrtivali and the M itra Brgya R tsa of Mitrayogin whichwere conferred as initiations by Darba Tulku, the snags-chen ho-thog-thu of Tashi Lhunpo to 548 monks and laypersons from Tibet,China, and Mongolia in Beijing in 1938.

Amung the sadhanas given in the text was one of the deityHayagnva from the P adma C od P all R gylld , or L otllS C row n T an tr a.When I inquired about this tantra, Lama Jampsal kindly presentedme with a copy to aid my work on the Vajravali .

The coluphon of the L otu s C row n T an tr a notes that the text wasedited by Dharmasnrnitra and translated by Dharrnabhadra. Whileno information seems available about the editor Dharmasrtmitra,The B il le A ll Iw ls notes that Dharrnabhadra was a contemporary ofAtisha whose dates are 928-1054. This period only slightly precedesthe dates attributed to Abhayakaragupta who lived in the reign ofthe Pala King Ramapala of Bengal (1084-1130) suggesting Abhaya-karas familiarity with T ile L olu s CroWl1 Tantra and the tantra'sinfluence on the Mitryogin sadhanas and the skor gsum, or threecycles of initiation of Abhayakara which include the Vajrtivali.

I am truly indebted to Lama [arnspal for the past and presentassistance he has given me on both matters of translation as wellas matters related to my Dharma practice and I offer my deepestgrati tude for both his friendship and scholarship.Dennis CordellNew York, 1993


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The White Lotus CrownIn the language of India (this text is known as) the P a dm a Mu ku taTantra. In the language of Tibet this tantra is thus known as theP adm a C od P an.I bow down to the blessed Manjuvajra.

Thus have I heard that once upon a time the Blessed One sat inthe paradise of the Divine Victorious Ones surrounded by an im-measurable retinue of bodhisattvas. There, with a calm and equi-posed mind, the Buddha entered into the meditation known asOpening the Door of Great Compassion in which he attainedperception of the atomic structure of the Buddhafield (which issuedforth) from the light rays of Vairocana. When this perceptionoccurred, these light rays entered the usnisa of the Blessed One asa result of his having worshipped the 1002 Buddhas of the Age ofVirtue. When the light rays were absorbed, the Buddha immediate-ly gained 'I thousand hands (which contained) the thousand eyesof great compassion. The color of his budy became like the white-ness of snow at sunrise. The main face of his eleven faces becamewhite. A central top face was yellow. A face un the right was green,a face on the left was red. Above these were black faces. A smilelike sculpted coral appeared on the Buddha's face 'IS he gazed atthe noble Avalokitesvara, lord of great compassion.

Then the noble Avalokitesvara clasped his hands in devotionand prayed to the Buddha. "Please show me the body, mantra,activities, and special rites (of this meditation)." Having requestedthis, the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was granted his wish 'IS ablessing from the Buddha.

The body is thus visualized 'IS being composed in meditation ofpure compassion like crystal water for the benefit of all sentientbeings. The Blessed One (is visualized as) having faces of green,black, yellow and red with three faces that are white like crystal.(His body is) adorned in the antelope skins worn by sages (He has)a peaceful face which smiles and laughs, and a wrathful face withthree eyes. The tenth head is that of the bodhisattva. The eleventhhead is that of the Buddha. He holds a rosary of pearl-like jewels.The lower part of the body is wrapped in the adornments ofBuddha activity. The front hands are clasped together. A right handholds a rosary, a left holds 'I lotus. A right hand makes a gestureof bestowal, a left hand holds a flask. A right hand holds a wheel,


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52 THE TIBETJOURNAL

a left hand holds a bow and arrow. The remaining hands containeyes on the palms.

Then, as a result of the empowerment of aU the Buddhas on theBlessed One, a smile came to his face as jewels sprang from his twoprecious crowns and the five Buddha families arose above the lotus.These included (the families of) Vairocana, Ratnasambhava,Amitabha, Amoghasiddha, and Aksobhya. The waUs of their multi-storied palace were made of precious jewels. Inside are a lion, ahorse, a peacock, an eagle, and an elephant. These arose from thecrown.

A father-mother deity of blue color arises on a lotus. (This deityis visualized with) four limbs ornamented 'with the four im-measurables, endowed with the adornments of the bodhisattva, andseated in yogic equipose.

A father deity of yellow color arises on the surface of a lotus. Hecounts each of the jewels of the rosary which he grasps in hispalm.

Then a wondrous ray of light is sent forth from which arises asun and a moon. A young utpala flower created from Dharma isborn from the sky-coloured moon. A small wrathful yidam holdinga vajra raises a snow-white lotus above the sun and moon. Fromtwo wrathful deities arises the syllable Hrf~ which results innonduaIity. Hayagnva unites the three realms. Bhruktt conductsthe Buddha affairs. Yarnantaka holds a treasure. Trailokyavijayacrushes evil. Above is a pure white circle with four doors andarchways.

First you must have faith in the three jewels, then visualize thefour immeasurables, aU the branches of enlightenment and thevoidness which is the nature of Dharma.

(This completes) the beginning chapter on background andbody.

Next comes the doctrine of the secret mantra which results fromthe light (emitted) from Vairocana's great snow lake field, spreadinglight into aU realms, and emerging into the crown of the BlessedOne who uttered:.

0 ", H ri 1_ tH a ", H ri 1_ tA~ . N ama Ra tl 1a tr ayaya. N ama Arya / fl al 1a sa ga raVa iroca l1aya Vy jihara jaya Ta tl laga taya Arha te Samyaksa1J lbuddh ti ya .


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N~ s.- Tath4grJt tbhyo Arhatabhyal:a St lmyaksl l" .buddhabhyo.NmrttI AI)II ANlokitdwmlya. Bodh iStJ tt vaya MI Ih t lk l lru l ;l ik l lya .

Followed by:0", D hara D lurra D hiri D hiri D I,uru D huru lbane BaH e Cale CalePraCJllePraal le Ku sume Ku sumaV ll re I Li Mi Li Ci Ti !VI llaMapanllyaStl l lhl l .Sons or' daughters of good families should recite these mantrasone time, remembering, contemplating, and always wearing themon the body. Thus will you be cleansed of the karma of the fiveinexpiable sins and other almost inexpiable sins which cause rebirth

(in the realms of ) hell, hungry ghosts, or animals.By reciting 0", RJI~ RJI~ you will be saved from wild beasts,demons, spirits, disease, fear, and all of the eight states of suffering.Another charm against evilisA'!, AkIlromlikharrr Sarva Dltarmlil; llirrrAdyanutpannatvtft. Byoffering sacrificialcakesand liquids to hungryghosts and reciting 0". A I : a Harrr one will also be protected.As a result of the merit of chanting Or r r Mal;li Padme Hurrr aperson will become master of the three families and will perceivethe great compassion of the Dharma and Form bodies.

0". N amal :a S ar va T ath tlga ta D lta be P uja M egh a Samud ra Spha ranaS am aye H ~".. Or r r N am al:a 5 arva TatM gata P II~ pe paja M eglzaS am ud ra S ph ara l; lQ S amay e H a ~,. A'!' N ama! , 5 arv a T ath aga ta A lo kepaja M egha Sam udra Spharal;la 5am aye H al". 01 " Nama /: l 5artoaT ath tlga ta Gan dh a P "ja M egh a 5 am lld ra S p/ ,a ra !, a S am ay e HI!,!" A'!'N am a!J S arva Ta thligata N ait,id ye P J!ja M eg/Ja S am lld ra S phara!Ja5 am aye H u,!" Or r r N am a!, S anoa Tat/lagata Sabda P I!ja M eglza5 am ud ra 5 plr ara l; la 5 am ay e HI!,!I. 01 )1 N am a!, S an oa Ta tl,aga taMal; lt ; ia laPuja Megha Samudra Sphar a! Ja 5amaye Ha ,! !.(Having recited this and) thoroughly worshipped with offerings,there arises from the knowledge of emptiness (the deity Avalo-kitesvara) possessing perfect knowledge and skillful means, andcompletely possessing the white syllable Hri/:l.(This completes) the second chapter on mantra


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54 TH E 1 1BE T J OUR NA LFor the purpose of showing the rites and activities, the rite for

pacifying the deities should first be accomplished. In a pleasantplace while manifesting the pure white ( H r f J : r syllable), one shouldanoint oneself with fragrant water, scatter white flowers, makeappropriate food offerings and ablutions while seated in a com-fortable position.

A white flask made of white sandalwood should be filled withincense and carefully wrapped. Place the flask in the center of themand ala. (Visualize) from the syllable H r f J : r arising the body of thebodhisattva with one face, two hands and a white complexion. Heis complete with ornaments, holds a lotus, and is seated perfectlyon a moon cushion. Contemplate light rays shining from thesyllable HTf~. The thousand hands and eyes are also visualized.Having visualized the fully developed body in front of you, thesyllable H r f J : r is absorbed into you. Recite this secret mantra andvisualize the mantra thoroughly:

N am o R atnatray4 ya. N am a A rya Jr1 4nasagara V airoam 4ya V yQ -h aT 4j4 ya T ath tlg at4 ya A rh ate S am ya ks aP rlb ud dh 4y a. N am a~ S am lT ath 4g ate bh yo A rh at ab ya ~ S am ya ks aP rlb ud dh 4b hy o. N am a A va /o -ki te~varaya Bodhisa ttvdya Maht isa tt tl ffya Maht1 /c4rur ;ri /c4yaAmitabhaLac eg emo $a nt e Ku ru S vdh tl .

Having said this (then say) Brum.Vairocana (is now) the water in the flask. Those who wash well

(with this water) become purified of all defilements, and attainhappiness and comfort as a result. Having been freed from all fear,one will soon see the lotus.

If one desires prosperity they should go to a high forest, anointthemselves with fragrant water, and scatter the flowers of fruit tree(on the ground). They should adorn themselves with ornamentsand sit on a comfortable seat. They should fill a precious receptaclewith five kinds of jewels and five kinds of grain and place thisperfectly in the center of the mandala,

(Visualize) from the syllable H r f J : r arising the heroic mind of themahasattva, having one face, two hands and a body of yellowcolor. He is complete with ornaments and holds a lotus, Histhousand hands and eyes are similarly visualized. Having visualizedth~ full body in front of you, one should worship this deity


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correctly with five kinds of offerings. The syllable Hrf1;Is absorbedinto you and this mantra is recited:

N amo R Jlh rIltr ay lfy a. N a "", A ry a J r1 4n aS ifg ar a V a ir oo m 4y a V ya h a-r4 j4 ya T ath 4g at4 ya A rh ate S am ya ksa 17 lb ud dh 4y a. N am a/;l S artJ QT ath 4g ate bh yo A rh a ta by alJ S amy ak sa 17 lb ud dh 4b hy o. N amo A r y gA va lo kitd vllrr ly tl B od hi!G ttv tJ ya M ah aso ttV lfy tl M a h4 ka ru ~ik ay aRJ lt na k ll na Pu~ ti 17 l K u r u SV l f ha .Place the five offerings in a granary and the granary will become

completely filled with grain.Then, for the ritual which accumulates power go to 8 river bankwhich has palasa and asvattha trees. Make a small pill of redflowers. In a hidden place fumigate (the pil l) with red roses. Makean offering of the red flowers. (Visualize) the body of Tara arisingfrom the syllable HrQl. She is green and holds an iron hook usedfor taming elephants. Visualize the thousands hands and eyes.Having visualized the complete body in front of you, worship withthe five offerings. The syllable Hrf lJ is absorbed into you and thismantra isrecited:

Namo R J lt na tr ll ya . N am a A ry a J llt In a s4 ga r a V a ir cx a nd y a V y uiJ a ra jd y aTa th4ga t4y t1A rha te Samyaksa l 1 lbudd l laya . Namah Sa rva Ta t lwga tebhyoA rh a ta b hy a lJ S am ya k sa 1 7lb u dd h d bh y o. N am o A ry a A v al ok it e~ va ra y aBodh i so ttV lf y a Mah4so t tV lf y a Ma l t akaT ll ~ ikaya Amog i Jabhasm i17 lKu ru .0171Tl f re T u tt lfr e T u re Am o gi Ja b ha sm; 17 IKuru SVl fha.Anoint the bOdy with an ointment of the ingredients (of the pill).

By absorbing the ointment you will gain power.Then, if you wish to perform a difficult task, go to a cemetery

which has only one tree. Moisten the cemetery ground with cowdung and incense made from neem plant. Scatter five bunches offragrant blue flowers (on the ground). (Visualize) a crystal deity ontop of a ferocious beast arising from the syllable HrQl. (The deity)has a white complexion and long hair tied in a top knot. He hasone face and three eyes and is adorned in a deer skin like awrathful sage. He has four hands. The first hand makes a boongranting gesture, a left hand holds a sword on top of a lotus, a'right hand holds a spear wrapped with a snake and a white trident,a left hand holds a skull cap filled to the brim with white flowers.,. ,


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He has a charming demeanor like that of a great king as he glancesslightly to the side. Similarly, visualize the thousand hands andeyes and the thousand Buddhas of the fortunate aeon which sit onthe petals of a beautiful lotus. Having visualized the full beautifulbody and having absorbed the syllable Hrth which appeared, recitethe royal mantra:

Nam o Ra tlla tra yd ya . N am a A rya /nd na sd ga ra Va iro ca J1 lfy a V y uh a -ra jd ya T a tlra ga td ya A rh a te S am yak sa rr rbu d dh d ya . N am ah S a rv aTa th dga tebhy o N am a A rya A va lok ite~ t>a rd ya B cd lu sa u ta va M ahd -s a tt va y a M a h d k d ru t li kd y a .

Thel)s follows:O rrr K ate N ika te Kata Ka te Karote Kar i tabfrye Slid/IIi. O rrr K arm aAmoghaoajra S a rr rl ri nf dd H u rr r Phai.Infuse the power of the mantra into the ointment. Sprinkle the

body with this ointment. Place the blue flowers in the hair. Anointthe body with the mandala water and recite this (mantra) twenty-five times. All your goals will be accomplished.

Then, if you want to acquire the four siddhis (i.e. peace,prosperity, power, and subjugation) an auspicious prayer should besaid in the end. In a beautiful mountain setting moisten well theground with water. Scatter sweet white flowers, completelycovering the ground to be used for the mandala. Spread themandala ingredients on the pure ground. Make an (effigy) of apure brahmin. Wash (the effigy) and place it on kusa grass.(Visualize) a lotus emerging from the syllable Hril,l . (Visualize adeity) having three peaceful and smiling faces similar to the colorof a lotus, three smiling green faces, a black wrathful face withorange hair, a smiling yellow face, (and) a face of the Blessed Onewhich is red. (The deity) has a deer skin as an upper garment andwears assorted lower robes while standing on both feet evenly. Theprimary right and left hands are clasped in prayer. The middle righthand holds a rosary while the left holds a lotus. A lower handgives the gesture of a supreme giving while the other (lower) handholds a water flask. A full water pot is (visualized as) the shininggoddess Male who charmingly sings and dances on a moon seatwhich arises from the syllable Hr~1 . Recite the royal mantra:


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Nama RDtn ll trayaya Nama Arya ] fl onasagara Vairocan~ya Vyuharo jayaTath4gataya Arhat e Samyaksarrrbuddhaya . Nama~ Sarva Tathdgat ebhyoA rh ata bh ya ~ S am ya ks ar rr bu dd ha bh yo . N am a A ry a A va lo kitd va ra yaBodhisa tt vt fya Ml Ihdsat tv tf ya Mahdkdru~ ikdya .

Then as follows:O r r r D hara D har D hiri D hiri D hutu D huru 'rte Te Batte Te CaleCale Pracale Pracale K u sum e K u sum ab ar e I Li Mi Li Ci Li ]valaMapanay a S vt fha .Having performed well this mantra over the water pot, com-

pletely anoint the body (with this water) and you w i l l achievesiddhi.

(This completes) the third chapter on the secret mantra ritual).

Next are the stages of methods.Inscribed in goat's milk, on either cotton or the bark of a white

birch or a cinnamon tree, a circle into which is placed five bunchesof precious objects. Place the seed syllables in the middle of thebody (of the circle). The fifth of the fifth (i.e. the syllable Ma)should be written in the eastern direction, the fifth of the fourth(i.e. the syllable Na) should be placed in the centre of the southerndirection, the first of the fifth (i.e. the syllable P a l and the third ofthe fourth (i.e. the syllable 00) are to be well placed in the we .terndirection, to the fifth of the fifth add the letter E (i.e. the syllableMe) and place this properly in the northern direction. In the middleshould be placed the seed syllable of the heart (i.e, the syllableHriIJ). The intermediate directions should be inscribed with "Solltil!lKuru." Place "SOOho" in the middle (i.e. with the syllable Hrf!I).Having clearly arranged the circle in this way, insert this circle intoa white or silver amulet and you will achieve complete peace fromall directions.

(Inscribed on a circle) in yellow tumeric mixed well with water,the words " Pu stim K uru " in the northern, eastern, southern, andwestern directions. Place (this charm) well inside a sacramentalyellow cup. You will be rewarded with prosperi ty.


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(On a circle) drawn well on palasa tree bark, inscribe the words"V a~ i K uru" in the northern r eastern, southern, and westerndirections. Insert (this charm) well inside a red sacramental cup.You will be rewarded with the power of subjugation.

(On a circle) drawn well with the water mixed with neemleaves, inscribe the letters, "Ma," "Na," "Ye," and "Ni" in the(previously mentioned) directions. Insert.into an iron lock or a realskull and you will gain power over everything.

Burn sweet smelling white sandalwood in a fire forpeace. Burnbranches of wood bearing red fruit to gain prosperity. Burn palasawood to summon power. By burning wood of the neem tree all evilwill be destroyed.

(This completes) the fourth chapter on circles.

Next are the stages of Karma.Recite the secret mantra to rice leaves, holy grass, sesame, whitemustard, and millet. Burn these completely in rhododendron woodand everything (i.e. wrathful deities, etc.) wil l be pacified.

Recite the secret mantra over kusa grass, berries of the hippophaerhamnoides shrub, juniper berries and the red flowers of a birchtree. Burn these over dried lotus root and you will gain greatpower and control over everything.

Wheat, brown rice, buckwheat, kidney beans, and black sesamecompletely consumed over burning sandalwood will bring pros-perity and power.

Recite the secret mantra over palasa wood, millet, and mungbeans burning on a fire of dried lotus root and you will obtainpower and control over everything.

Recite the secret mantra over wheat, brown rice, buckwheat,kidney beans and black sesame consumed in a fire of khatira woodand you will quickly accomplish aUendeavours.

Recite the mantra of vajra wood over the leaves and fruits ofprahakha branches which are burned in a fire of asoka tree woodand you will quickly gain the power and ability to subjugate aUpeople.

Recite the complete secret mantra over a heap of patra woodand the medicinal juice of the lotus root. Burn both of these on the


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wood of the myrobalan tree. Place the ashes beneath an earthencircle in order to subjugate a king.

Completely recite the secret mantra over the wood of a palasatree and the fruit of the oleander tree. Burn both of these over thewood of the rose apple tree. Place the ashes beneath a sword andyou will become ruler of a powerful country.

Completely recite the secret mantra over a fire of barberry woodwhich has burned the bones of a hundred generations of peoplekilled by weapons. Place the ashes beneath an iron hook in orderto bring an elephant under your control.

By burning grains (mixed together with) the flowers and barkof rhododendron over a fire from the wood from a cremationground you can subjugate tigers and other beasts.

Make a perfectly round mandala of barley, rice, unhuskedgrains, medicinal stones (i.e. gold, silver, copper, iron, brass andzinc) and precious gems. The Buddha should be adorned withperfect ornaments, born from a moon-stone lotus, smiling with acrystal complexion, seated in the vajra posture on a seat of kusagrass in the eastern direction. He bestows the lotus gesture. Whenthe mandala is offered with loving kindness it will free you fromdiseases, plagues, small-pox, sores, skin eruptions, psoriasis, and allthe diseases causing demons as well as the suffering karma ofhaving committed the five inexpiable sins (i.e. matricide, killing asaint, patricide, heresy, and wounding a Tathagata).

(This concludes) the fifth chapter on the activities of fire.

Then, if there is fear of a king, correctly prepare a whitemandala with fragrant white scandal wood. Make an offering of awater vessel filled with flowers as well as whatever else can beoffered. Worship an image of the king. Confess your sins in frontof the mandala and quickly seek refuge. Prepare an image of theking on a white birch bark with the five syUables painted in fivecolors. With a loving mind, throw the image in a river (and recitethis mantra to be) free from the king's punishment:

0 7 r r Hu '! l H tf'! l H ri1 ;lA wn a Hari Mala lto . S ara S ara K ara K ara S vtfh tf.


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When a carnivorous animal brings fear into your life correctlyprepare the white mandala. Scatter the white flowers perfectly (onthe mandala). Confess your sins and quickly take refuge. Pulverizefive types of grains and five types of jewels using your five fingers.Wear this as an amulet on your body and you will soon be freedfrom all fears of the ferocious beast.

For fear of robbery and thieves (visualize) Vajrapani holding ablue vajra with a gesture of subduing the earth.

(Say) "I seek refuge in worshipping him. A'!' Ak$Ohhyataka Kara~aGara Khat ipa . Svadhi Cakritdya. Ki K a C e Ca Trati N atu D ania SaraS ara K ara K ara S l.d hd ."Fur fears of snake poisoning (take) a twig of a pomegranate tree

;1I1d imagine it to be the body of a brahmin. Imagine a crown, apearl, coral, a sun stone, a ruby, a sapphire, a conch shell, gold,silver, and durva grass as being the attributes of Ratnasambhava.Mix these assorted jewels, ornaments and grains together with kusagrass, musk, sandalwood, barberry bush (leaves), an utpala lotus,and fragrant saffron and anoint the body (with this mixture andrecite):

0 ,,1 R atna sa 1! lbh av a S ati B i~ S ara S ara K ara K ara S va/ lli.For fear of lightening, take a bone of a tiger and a (bone of ) a

dragon together with bronze powder, iron powder, copper powder,brass powder, and gold powder. Wrap these in birch bark. Visualizethe body of Amitabha. Expose (the mixture) in all directions. Burnand fumigate all the poisons (and recite):

aI/I Am rta V ajra ]vala V ajra ]vata G arja G arja S ara Sara K ara K araSpaila.For fear of fire, (combine) the bone and claw of a dragon, flesh

of a fox, sesame, salu rice, millet, barley, wheat, and grapes. Spreadthis mixture in the direction of a fire while visualizing Vairocana,Recite this mantra:

01)1 V ai ro ca lla P ra bh d ] va la il'a ta S ara S ar a K ara K ara S vd il a.For fear of rivers, pour-the blood of a goat, a dog, lind a pig into

the skulls of a male and female leper. Place images of the eight kind


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of demons into the skulls and throw the skulls in a river. Visualizethe body of Amoghasiddhi (and recite):

0 " , Amoghasi ddh i. 0", Kavait li ra ( li Sara Sara Kara Kara Sv li hl i.By visualizing clearly, with total compassion, the color of

Avalokitesvara as well as the thousands hands and eyes, one willbe liberated from all fears.

(This concludes) the sixth chapter on protection from all fears.

Worship relics with white flowers, sprinkle perfume on theground, and place the heart of the mantra (i.e. the seed syllable)into a stupa measuring one cubit. Otherwise, one should praise themantra with elegant eulogies. (Visualize) arising from the know-ledge of voidness a body 'of compassion possessing the fourimmeasurables and miracles. The wings of enlightenment arerealized (as being) stainless and white as a conch shell. (Of similarhue are) the four great rulers (of the four directions). The stupa ofgreat enlightenment has thirteen umbrellas. Celestial music comesdown like rain in an endless stream of Dharma sounds. It has thefive jewels as its nature. Grasp (these jewels) and make a gestureof stabbing (demons). By the empowerment of all the Buddhas thefirm merit of it is shown.

The five inexpiable sins, the ten (ordinary) sins and other sinsare controlled by defilement. These become purified instantly byone voice when made with love and compassion in a truly pureplace. A seeker who is compassionate and comes from a family ofbrahmins should approach (the area) worshipfully with puremotivation. The size and color should be made dear (on the earth)made beautiful in the mind. Nourishment shall come to the mind(by) eating the three whites (i.e. curds, milk, and butter) withoutthe polluted (i.e. onions or garlic). Completely abandon meat, garlic,radishes, parched grains and liquor. A garland of lotuses, crystals,pipal wood and pearls is auspicious. During worship do not yawn,sneeze, or speak. Never worship in darkness.

(This condudes)the seventh chapter on religious articles ..


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To accomplish all activities (one should visualize images made)of cast metal, drawn in books or (painted) on cotton. Hold theseimages in a mind of compassion.

From (the syllable) Mu" , arises the noble Manjusrt having anorange complexion and holding a small book on a blue lotus. Hesits in full lotus posture. Fill a yellow vessel with five jewels andvarious grains. Then recite:

O m Ohara Ohara O hiri Dhiri O huru Ohllru life Balfe Cale CaleP ra cale P ra cale K usum e K usu me M a(lt!a re Mi Li Mi Li Ci T i ] vo laM ap an dy a S vtih d.Recite this seven times. All ignorance will be pacified (as) prajna

is attained.As a support for the stupa or image on cotton, make a mandala

of sweet smelling red flowers, the three sweets (i.e. molasses.honey,and sugar), rice, white sesame, white mustard and white lotus root.From these things make a pill the size of a juniper berry. (Visualize)the mighty Avalokitesvara, From (the syllable) Hri~ arises his whitebody bestowing the boon granting gesture. He sits in the postureof the Buddha. (Recite the following):

0 " , Dhara O hara Dhiri Dhiri Dliuru O l,llru Itte B atte Cale CaleP raca le P ra cale K usum e K IISltnle M UlIt!are I Li !vii Li Ci T i 'v alaMapandya Stllillii.Infuse the secret mantra into the pill. With a mind of com-

passion swallow the pill. Worldly desires will become pacified andgreat happiness will be acquired.

Make a perfect mandala of blue lotuses, neem leaves, aloe leaves,and sandalwood. Fill a vessel with these and fragrant water.(Visualize) Vajrapani having a blue complexion, green garments,and slightly wrathful disposition. He is holding a vajra and a belland maintains the posture of a mahasatrva, (Recite the following):

01)1 Dhara Dhara O hiri Dhiri Olrllm Ollllni Itte Balfe Cale CaleP ra ca le P ra ca le KI IS tim e K l ls llm e M a! lt!a re I Li Mi Li Ci T i [ ta laM apa ru ly a S v al ui .Anoint yourselfwith the water from the vessel and al langer will

become pacified as great patience is acquired.(This concludes) the eighth chapter on pacifying the poisons.


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THE Lams CROWN TANTRA 63

Draw on birch bark or white cotton a circle with four spokesaround the rim. (Recite) "Ohara Ohara Ohiri Dhiri Dhuru Ohuruprotect (give the name of the person to be protected)." Byattachingthis amulet to the body, you will be liberated from illnesses,plagues, the fear of i llnesses, and demons which cause illness. Youwill become completely happy. Tie seven, or twenty one, or onehundred and eight knots in a white thread while perfectly reciting(the mantra). Tie (the thread) tightly around the amulet to make ita superior guardian. Attach this amulet near the heart with a pinmade of the resin of agaru, musk, saffron, camphor, gold, coral,pearls, and jewels. Make an ointment of cow's milk and the ashesof burnt saffron, musk, and sandalwood incenses. Spread theointment in the three realms. The ointment will guard you from allfears of illnesses and disease causing demons.

(This concludes) the ninth chapter on the circular amulet

To be totally guarded from hail recite the mantra to a daggermade of khadira wood (visualized) in the centre (of a mandala).From (the syllable) Hli'11 arises the great wrathful deit ies in the fourdirections. In the east is Trailokyavijaya with a white bodysurrounded by flames. He holds a vajracakra and makes a gestureof warning.

(Recite) 0'11 Prajr ldntakrta Halla Halla Ham Pha].In the south is red Yamantaka grasping a club in his hand.(Recite) 0'11 Y am an ia krta T isth a Tistha H um P ha t.In the west is red Hagariva brandishing a vajradanda.(Recite) 0'11 Havagrnx: HII/II HII/II H un : P ha t.In the north is green Bhrkuti holding a sword before him.(Recite) 0", A mogjiakabnrkut! B audlia B andha H um P ha!.Recite (these mantras) seven or twenty-one times over daggers

in the four directions. Mixtogether white mustard with the manureof a fierce animal and toss the mixture toward the sky whilereciting the secret mantra:

0", Vajrakrodha HII/u HII/1I Tisih Tistha Bandha Bandha Halla Halla( f t : r s ~garldudes) the tenth chapter on protection from hail.


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64 THE TIBET JOURNAL

Then a marvelous ray of light was sent forth by the BlessedOne. Rays of white, red, deep blue, green, and yellow lightemerged from the thousand eyes and hands. By these rays of light,the six classes of sentient beings were relieved of suffocation andgiven air to breathe. Then by the gods of the heaven of the fourgreat kings, the heaven of the thirty-three gods, the heaven whichis free from strife, the Tusita paradise of Maitreya, the nirmmanratiheaven of prosperity, the parinirmmana heaven of the' lord of love,the four dhyaru heavens of Brahma, the heavens of shining andimmeasurable light, the heavens of endless happiness, the realm ofcelestial pure forms and dear skies, the heaven of saints and greatbeings which reap the fruit of merit, the celestial mansions, and theheaven of Aksobhya - all these deities brought down a great rainof worship. The eulogies and metrical verses of the gods pouredfrom the clouds of adoration on Avalokitesvara's body of com-passion, from whose thousand hands sentient beings are deliveredfrom suffering, and by whose thousands eyes sentient beings areenlightened by pure wisdom.

Having expressed this, the Blessed One caused the body of greatcompassion to dissolve into the forms of Sakyarnuni, Then the holysons begged, "What is the benefit of that which was requested?"

The Blessed One answered, "One who remembers this tantrawill be delivered from the fear of disease, plagues, and demonswhich cause disease, from kings and frightening beasts. One willbe liberated from the eight realms of torment and the sufferings ofhell. The passions, anger, and ignorance which cause continuousrebirths will be pacified. One will listen, explain, and meditate asthough in a realm of pure sky and one will see the Blessed One."

When this was said the great being, the noble Avalokitesvararose from his seat and touched his head to the feet of the BlessedOne. As he did this the Buddha responded, "Well done, well done."With this the bodhisattva sat down. The joyful world of 105,000gods, goddesses, demi-gods, etc., highly praised the scriptures toldby the Blessed One.

The Lotus Crown Tantra ends with the eleventh chapter. Theeditor Pandita Dharmasrimitra and the translator Dharmabhadraascertained the text.

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The Lotus Crown Tantra