"USNISA VIJAYA DHARANI SUTRA"
(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)
Sutra in Chinese