(Translated version of Master Buddhapala during the Tang Dynasty)
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)