USNISA VIJAYA DHARANI
SUTRA
(Translated version of
Master Buddhapala during the Tang Dynasty)
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Thus I have heard, at one time, the Bhagavan
(World Honoured One) was dwelling in the city of Shravasti at the Jeta
Grove, in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary (Ananthapindada)
, together with his regular disciples of twelve hundred and fifty great
Bhikshus and twelve thousand Maha Bodhisattvas Sangha in all. At that
time the devas in Trayastrimsa Heaven were also having a gathering in
the Good Dharma Hall. Among them was a devaputra by the name of Susthita
who, together with the other great devaputras, was frolicking in the
garden and courtyard, enjoying in the supremely wonderful bliss of
heavenly life. Surrounded by devis they were extremely happy - singing,
dancing and entertaining themselves. Soon after nightfall, Devaputra
Susthita suddenly heard a voice in space saying, "Devaputra Susthita,
you have only seven days left to live. After death, you will be reborn
in Jambu-dvipa (Earth) as an animal for seven successive lives. Then you
will fall into the hells to undergo more sufferings. Only after
fulfilling your karmic retribution will you be reborn in the human
realm, but to a humble and destitute family, while in the mother's womb
you will be without eyes and born blind." On hearing this, Devaputra
Susthita was so terrified that his hair stood on end. Tormented and
distressed, he rushed over to the palace of Lord Sakra. Bursting into
tears and not knowing what else to do, he prostrated himself at the feet
of Lord Sakra, telling Lord Sakra of what had happened. "As I was
enjoying the frolic of dance and songs with the heavenly devis, I
suddenly heard a voice in space telling me that I had only seven days
left, and that I would fall into Jambu-dvipa after death, remaining
there in the animal realm for seven successive lives. Following that, I
would fall into the various hells to endure greater sufferings. Only
after my karmic retribution had been fulfilled would I reborn as a
human, and even then I would be born without eyes in a poor and
disreputable family. Lord of Heaven, how can I escape from such
sufferings?" Lord Sakra immediately calmed his mind to enter Samadhi and
made careful observations. Instantly, he saw that Susthita would undergo
seven successive evil paths in the forms of a pig, dog, jackal, monkey ,
python, crow and vulture, all feeding on filth and putrescence. Having
seen the seven future rebirth forms of Devaputra Susthita, Lord Sakra
was shattered and was filled with great sorrow, but could not think of
any way to help Susthita. He felt that only the Tathagata, Arhate,
Samyak-sambuddha could save Susthita from falling into the great
sufferings of evil destines. Thus, soon after nightfall that very day,
Lord Sakra prepared various types of flower wreaths, perfume and
incense. Adorning himself with fine deva garments and bearing these
offerings, Lord Sakra made his way to the garden of Ananthapindada,
abode of the World Honoured One. Upon arrival, Lord Sakra first
prostrated himself at the Buddha's feet in reverence, then
circumambulated the Buddha seven times clockwise in worship, before
laying out his great puja (offerings). Kneeling in front of the Buddha,
Lord Sakra described the future destiny of Devaputra Susthita who would
soon fall into the evil paths with seven successive rebirths in the
animal realm with details of his subsequent retribution. Instantly, the
usnisa (crown of the head) of the Tathagata radiated multiple rays of
light, illuminating the world in all ten directions, the light then
returned, circling the Buddha three times before entering His mouth.
Then the Buddha smiled and said to Lord Sakra, "Lord of Heaven, there is
a Dharani known as the 'Usnisa Vijaya Dharani'. It can purify all evil
paths, completely eliminating all sufferings of birth and death. It can
also liberate all miseries and sufferings of beings in the realms of
hell, King Yama and animal, destroy all the hells, and transfer sentient
beings onto the virtuos path." "Lord of Heaven, if one hears this Usnisa
Vijaya Dharani once, all the bad karma incurred from his previous lives
that should cause him to fall into hells will be destroyed altogether.
He will instead acquire a fine and pure body. Wherever he is reborn, he
will clearly remember the Dharani - from one Buddhahood to another, from
one heavenly realm to another heavenly realm. Indeed, throughout the
Trayastrimsa Heaven, wherever he is reborn, he will not forget." "Lord
of Heaven, if someone at death's door recalls this divine Dharani, even
for just a moment, his lifespan will be extended and he will acquire
purification of body, speech and mind. Without suffering any physical
pain and in accordance with his meritorious deeds, he will enjoy
tranquility everywhere. Receiving blessings from all the Tathagatas, and
constantly guarded by devas and protected by Bodhisattvas, he will be
honoured and respected by people, and all the evil hindrances will be
eradicated." "Lord of Heaven, if anyone can sincerely read or recite
this Dharani even for a short period of time, all his karmic retribution
which would lead him to suffer in the hells, the animal realm, the realm
of King Yama and the hungry ghost realm, will be completely destroyed
and eradicated without leaving any trace. He will be free to go to any
of the Buddhas' Pure lands and heavenly palace; all gateways leading to
the Bodhisattvas' abode are open to him unobstructed." After hearing the
above discourse, Lord Sakra immediately appealed to the Buddha, "For the
sake of all sentient beings, may the World Honoured One kindly give a
discourse on how one's lifespan can be lengthened." The Buddha was aware
of Lord Sakra's intention and his eagerness to hear His discourse on
this Dharani and so immediately proclaimed the Mantra thus:
"NAMO BHAGAVATE TRAILOKYA PRATIVISISTAYA
BUDDHAYA BHAGAVATE. TADYATHA, OM, VISUDDHAYA-VISUDDHAYA, ASAMA-SAMA
SAMANTAVABHASA- SPHARANA GATI GAHANA SVABHAVA VISUDDHE, ABHINSINCATU MAM.
SUGATA VARA VACANA AMRTA ABHISEKAI MAHA MANTRA-PADAI. AHARA-AHARA AYUH
SAM-DHARANI. SODHAYA-SODHAYA, GAGANA VISUDDHE. USNISA VIJAYA VISUDDHE.
SAHASRA-RASMI, SAMCODITE, SARVA TATHAGATA AVALOKANI, SAT-PARAMITA,
PARIPURANI, SARVA TATHAGATA MATI DASA-BHUMI, PRATI-STHITE, SARVA
TATHAGATA HRDAYA ADHISTHANADHISTHITA MAHA-MUDRE. VAJRA KAYA, SAM-HATANA
VISUDDHE. SARVAVARANA APAYA DURGATI, PARI-VISUDDHE, PRATI-NIVARTAYA AYUH
SUDDHE. SAMAYA ADHISTHITE. MANI-MANI MAHA MANI. TATHATA BHUTAKOTI
PARISUDDHE. VISPHUTA BUDDHI SUDDHE. JAYA-JAYA, VIJAYA-VIJAYA,
SMARA-SMARA. SARVA BUDDHA ADHISTHITA SUDDHE. VAJRI VAJRAGARBHE, VAJRAM
BHAVATU MAMA SARIRAM. SARVA SATTVANAM CA KAYA PARI VISUDDHE. SARVA GATI
PARISUDDHE. SARVA TATHAGATA SINCA ME SAMASVASAYANTU. SARVA TATHAGATA
SAMASVASA ADHISTHITE, BUDDHYA-BUDDHYA, VIBUDDHYA-VIBUDDHYA,
BODHAYA-BODHAYA, VIBODHAYA-VIBODHAYA. SAMANTA PARISUDDHE. SARVA
TATHAGATA HRDAYA ADHISTHANADHISTHITA MAHA-MUDRE SVAHA."
(This Usnisa Vijaya Dharani is the improved version with some additions
to the original Sanskrit transliteration) Then the Buddha told Lord
Sakra, "The above Mantra is known as the 'Purifying All Evil Paths'
Usnisa Vijaya Dharani'. It can eliminate all evil karmic hindrances and
eradicate the suffering of all evil paths." "Lord of Heaven, this great
Dharani is proclaimed together by by Buddhas as numerous as eighty-eight
kotis (hundred million) of the grains of sand of the Ganges River. All
Buddhas rejoice and uphold this Dharani that is verified by the wisdom
seal of the Maha Vairocana Tathagata. This is because in the evil paths,
to liberate them from painful retribution in hell, animal and King
Yama's realms; to deliver beings facing immediate danger of falling into
the sea of birth and death (samsara); to assist helpless beings with
short lifespans and poor fortune and to deliver beings who like to
commit all kinds of evil deeds. Moreover, because of its dwelling and
being upheld in the Jambu- dvipa world, the power manifested by this
Dharani would cause all beings in hells and other evil realms; those
with poor fortune and revolving in the cycles of birth and death; those
not believing in the existence of good and evil deeds and are deviated
from the proper path, to attain deliverance." Again Buddha reminded Lord
Sakra, "I now entrust this divine Dharani to you. you should in turn
transmit it to Devaputra Susthita. In addition , you yourself should
receive and uphold it, recite, contemplate and treasure it, memorise and
revere it. This Dharani Mudra should be widely proclaimed to all beings
in the Jambu-dvipa world. I also entrust this to you, for the benefit of
all heavenly beings, that this Dharani Mudra should be proclaimed. Lord
of Heaven, you should deligently uphold and protect it, never letting it
to be forgotten or lost." "Lord of Heaven, if someone hears this Dharani
even for just a moment, he will not undergo karmic retribution from the
evil karma and severe hindrances accumulated from thousands of kalpas
ago, that would otherwise cause him to revolve in the cycles of birth
and death - in all kinds of life forms in the evil paths - hell, hungry
ghost, animal, realm of King Yama, Asuras, Yaksa, Raksasa, ghosts and
spirits, Putana, Kataputana, Apasmara, mosquitoes, gnats, tortoises,
dogs, pythons, birds, ferocious animals, crawling creatures and even
ants and other life forms. Owing to the merits accrued from hearing for
a moment this Dharani, once this very life is over, he will be reborn in
the Buddhalands, together with all the Buddhas and Ekajati-pratibaddha
Bodhisattvas, or in a distinguished Brahmin or Ksatriya family, or in
some other wealthy and reputable family. Lord of Heaven, this man can be
reborn in one of the above-mentioned prosperous and reputable families
simply because he has heard this Dharani, and hence be reborn in a pure
place." "Lord of Heaven, even acquiring the most victorious Bodhimanda
is a result of praising the meritorious virtues of this Dharani. Hence,
this Dharani is also known as the Auspicious Dharani, which can purify
all evil paths. This Usnisa Vijaya Dharani is like a Treasury of Sun
Mani Pearl - pure and flawless, clear as space, its brilliance
illuminating and all- prevading. If any beings uphold this Dharani,
likewise will they be bright and pure. This Dharani is similar to the
Jambunada gold - bright, pure, and soft, can not be tainted by filth and
well-liked by all who see it. Lord of Heaven, beings who uphold this
Dharani are just as pure. By virture of this pure practice, they will be
reborn in the good paths." "Lord of Heaven, where this Dharani dwells,
if it is written for distribution, propagated, received and upheld, read
and recited, heard and revered, this will cause all evil paths to be
purified; miseries and sufferings in all hells will be completely
eradicated." Buddha again told Lord Sakra cautiously, "If someone could
write this Dharani and place It on the top of a tall banner, high
mountain or in a tall building or even keep It in a stupa; Lord of
Heaven! If there are bhiksus or bhiksunis, upasakas or upasikas, laymen
or laywomen who have seen this Dharani atop the above structures; or if
the shadows of these structures should fall on beings who who come near
to the structures, or particles of dust from the written Dharani are
blown onto their bodies; Lord of Heaven: Should the accumulated evil
karma of these beings cause them to fall into the evil paths such as
realms of hell, animal, King Yama, hungry ghost, Asura and other, they
will all be spared from the evil paths, and they will not be tainted
with filth and defilement. Lord of Heaven! Instead, all Buddhas will
bestow predictions (Vyakarana) onto these beings who will never regress
from the path to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (complete enlightenment)."
"Lord of Heaven, let alone if one makes various offerings of flower
wreaths, perfumes, incense, banners and flags, canopies decorated with
gems, clothing, necklaces of precious stones, etc, to adorn and honour
this Dharani; and at major routes, if one builds special stupas to house
this Dharani, then most respectfully with palms together circumambulates
the pagoda, bowing and taking refuge, Lord of Heaven, those who make
such offerings are called the great Mahasattvas, Buddha's true
disciples, and the pillars of Dharma. Such stupas will be regarded as
the Tathagata's complete body sharira-stupa." At that time, in the early
part of the night, the ruler of the Hell Realm - King Yama. came to the
abode of the Buddha. First, using various deva garments, beautiful
flowers, perfumes and other adornments, he made offerings to the Buddha,
then circumambulated the Buddha seven times before prostrating himself
at the feet of the Buddha in reverence, saying, "I heard that the
Tathagata was giving a discourse in praise of upholding the powerful
Dharani; I have come with the intention to learn and cultivate it. I
shall constantly guard and protect those who uphold, read and recite
this powerful Dharani, not allowing them to fall into hell because they
have followed the teachings of the Tathagata." At this time, the four
Guardians of the world - the Caturmaharajas (Four Heavenly Kings)
circumambulated the Buddha three times, and most respectfully said, "
World Honoured One, may the Tathagata kindly explain in detail the way
to uphold this Dharani." The Buddha then told the Four Heavenly Kings,
"Please listen attentively, for your benefit as well as for the benefit
of all beings with short lifespans, I will now explain the method to
uphold this Dharani. On a full-moon day - the 15th day of the lunar
month, one should first bathe oneself and put on new clothes, uphold the
profound precepts and recite this Dharani a 1000 times. This will cause
one to lengthen one's lifespan, and be permanently free from the
sufferings of illness; all one's karmic hindranceswill be completely
eradicated. One will also be liberated from suffering in hell. If birds,
animals and other sentient beings hear this Dharani once, they will
never again be reborn in these impure and gross body forms once their
lives have ended." The Buddha continued, "If someone from a serious
disease hears this Dharani, he will be free from the disease. All other
illnesses will also be eradicated, so too will the evil karma that will
cause him to fall into the evil paths. He will be reborn in the Land of
Ultimate Bliss after the end of his life. From then onwards he will no
longer be born from the womb. Instead , wherever he is reborn, he will
be born transformed from the lotus flower and would always remember and
uphold this Dharani and gain knowledge of his past lives." The Buddha
added, "If someone has commited all the severe evil deeds before his
death, according to his sinful deeds, he ought to fall into one of these
realms of hell, animals, King Yama or hungry ghosts, or even into the
big Avici Hells, or be reborn as an aquatic creature, or in one of the
many forms of birds and animals. If someone could obtain part of the
skeleton of the deceased, and holding a fistful of soil, chant this
Dharani 21 times before scattering the soil over the bones, then the
deceased will be reborn in heaven." The Buddha further added, "If one
can chant this Dharani 21 times daily, one is worthy of accepting all
the immense worldly offerings and will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate
Bliss after one's death. If one chants this Dharani constantly, one will
attain Maha Parinirvana and be able to lengthen one's lifespan besides
enjoying the most extraordinary bliss. After one's life is over, one
will reborn in any of the wonderful Buddhalands, in constant company of
the Buddhas. All Tathagatas will always give discourses on the profound
and wonderful truth of Dharma and all World Honoured Ones will bestow
predictions of enlightenment upon one. The light illuminating from one's
body will pervade all Buddhalands." The Buddha further explained, "To
recite this Dharani, one should first, in front of the Buddha's image,
use some clean soil to construct a square mandala, the size according to
one's wish. On top of the mandala one should spread different kinds of
grass, flowers and burn different kinds of quality incense. Then
kneeling down with the right knee on the floor, mindfully reciting the
Buddha's name and with the hands in the Mudrani symbol, (i.e. each hand
bending the forefinger before and pressing it down with the thumb and
placing both palms together before the chest) in reverence, one should
recite this Dharani 108 times. The showers of flowers would rain down
from the clouds and would thus be universally made as offerings to
Buddhas as numerous as the grains of sand of eighty- eight million
Ganges Rivers. These Buddhas will simultaneously praise, "Ezcellent!
Rare indeed! A Buddha's true disciple!" One will instantly attain
Unobstructed Wisdom Samadhi and the Great Bodhi Mind Adorned Samadi.
Thus is the way to uphold this Dharani." The Buddha again exhorted Lord
Sakra, saying, "Lord of Heaven, the Tathagata uses this expedient means
to deliver beings who would otherwise have fallen into hells; to purify
all evil paths and to lengthen the lifespans of those who uphold this
Dharani. Lord of Heaven, please go back and transmit this Dharani to
Devaputra Susthita. After seven days , come to see me with Devaputra
Susthita." Thus, at the abode of the World Honoured One, the Lord of
Heaven respectfully received this Dharani practice and returned to his
heavenly palace to convey it to Devaputra Susthita." Having received
this Dharani, Devaputra Susthita kept to the practice as instructed for
six days and six nights, after which all his wishes were completely
fulfilled. The karma which should have led him to suffer in all the evil
paths were all eradicated. He would remain on the Bodhi Path and
increase his lifespan for an immeasurable period of time. Thus, he was
extremely delighted, exclaiming aloud in praise, "Extraordinary
Tathagata! What a rare and wonderful Dharma! Its efficacy explicity
verified! Rare indeed! Truly I have thus obtained deliverance!" When the
seven days were over, Lord Sakra brought Devaputra Susthita, together
with other heavenly beings, respectfully bearing excellent and wonderful
adornment of flower-wreaths, perfumes, incense, jewelled banners,
canopies decorated with gemstones, deva-garments and garland of precious
stones, approached Buddha's abode and presented their grand offerings.
Using heavenly garments and various garlands of precious stones to make
offerings to the World Honoured One, they then respectfully
circumambulated the Buddha a hundred thousand times, paid homage to the
Buddha, then happily took their seats and listened to the Buddha preach
the Dharma. The World Honoured One then extended his golden arm and
touched the crown of Devaputra Susthita, to whom He not only preached
the Dharma but bestowed a prediction of Devaputra Susthita's attainment
to Bodhi. Finally, the Buddha said, "This Sutra shall be known as the
'Purifying All Evil Paths' Usnisa Vijaya Dharani'. You should deligently
uphold it." On hearing this Dharma, the entire assembly was extremely
happy. They faithfully accepted and respectfully practised it.
A Ceremony of Chanting Usnisa Vijaya Dharani
(for reference only) (1) Inviting the Triple Jewel from Ten directions
"Namo to the all-encompassing Dharma realm of the universe, the triple
jewel of ten directions and of the past, present and future" (3X) (Each
3 times) "Namo Bhagavate Sakyamunaye Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate
Loka-vistirna-tejesvara-prabhaya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate
Bhaisajya-guru-vaidurya-prabha-rajaya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate
Pra-bhuta-ratnaya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate Ratna-sikhinya
Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate Su-rupaya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate
Vipula Gatraya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate Abhayam-karaya Tathagataya"
'Namo Bhagavate Amrta Rajaya Tathagataya" "Namo Bhagavate Amitabhaya
Tathagataya" "Namo Maitreya Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Great Wisdom Manjusri
Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Great Conduct Samanta-bhada Bodhisattvaya' "Namo
Great Compassion Aryavalokitesvaraya Bodhisattvaya" "Namo
Maha-sthama-prapta Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Great Pure Sea of Bodhisattvas"
"Namo Great Vows Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Dharma Protector Wei
Tuo Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Guarding Host Bodhisattvaya" "Namo all Dharma
Guarding Deva Bodhisattvaya" "Namo Usnisa Vijaya Dharani" (2) Mantra of
Offering "Om, Amogha Puja Mani Padma Vajre Tathagata Vilokite Samanta
Pra-sara Hum" (3) Reciting Usnisa Vijaya Dharani (4) Recite any one or
all the following (21-108 times) "Namo Amitabha Buddhaya" "Namo
Aryavalokitesvara Bodhisattva" "Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva" (5) True
Words of Universal Transference of Merits "Om, Smara-smara vimala Sara
Maha Cakra Vah Hum" (6) Transference of Merits (a) For individual
prayers or prayers on behalf of a person. "May the merits and virtues
accrued from this recitation, be transferred to disciple(s) [name(s)],
sincerely seeking the blessings and compassion of the triple jewel from
ten directions, so that my/our karmic obstruction can be eradicated, be
healthy physically and spiritually, my/our wisdom deepened and quickly
attain Buddhahood. At the same time, may all my/our friends and foes
(and the ones who have passed away [name(s)] be reborn in the good paths
of Western Pureland." (b) For use during mass gathering or daily
recitation. "May the merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be
transferred everywhere and reached everyone. May all beings and
ourselves be born together in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. "May the
merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be transferred to the true
and unchanging truth, every mind is in accordance with the truth." "May
the merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be transferred to the
highest fruition of Bodhi, every thought is accomplished and perfect to
the fruition of Bodhi." (7) Tree Refuges "To the Buddha I take refuge,
may all beings understand the great Way profound ly and bring forth the
Bodhi mind." "To the Dharma I take refuge, may all beings deeply enter
the Sutra treasury and have wisdom as vast as the sea. "To the Sangha I
take refuge, may all beings form great assembly, all in harmony."
(Attention! The merits and awesome power of this Mantra is
inconceivable, and the effect is also inconceivable. Please remember to
recite the Buddhisattva's name(s) and transfer the merits after
recitation)
Source: Buddhism Study and Practice Group
(http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/)
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Collected by Dieu My
Layout: Pho Tri
