Difference between revisions of "Dhāraṇī"
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− | dhāraṇī (陀羅尼). Usually in the [[Form]] of a long [[Mantra]], it means [[Total retention]] (總持). With excellent memory, [[Samādhi]], and [[Wisdom]], A [[Bodhisattva]] has the inconceivable [[Power]] to unite all [[Dharmas]] and hold all meanings. He can not only retain all good [[Dharmas]] but also stop the rise of [[Evil]] [[Dharmas]]. | + | |
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+ | [[dhāraṇī]] ([[陀羅尼]]). Usually in the [[Form]] of a long [[Mantra]], it means [[Total retention]] ([[總持]]). With {{Wiki|excellent}} [[memory]], [[Samādhi]], and [[Wisdom]], A [[Bodhisattva]] has the [[inconceivable]] [[Power]] to unite all [[Dharmas]] and hold all meanings. He can not only retain all good [[Dharmas]] but also stop the rise of [[Evil]] [[Dharmas]]. | ||
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[[Dharani]] is a multivalent term, referring at once to: | [[Dharani]] is a multivalent term, referring at once to: | ||
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− | [[Dharani]] are also called '[[Dharma]]-[[Sarira]]' - or [textual] [[Relics]] of the [[Dharmakaya]] - or, [textual] [[Relics of the Buddha]]'s teaching [[Body]] ([[Dharmakaya]]). In this [[Light]], [[Dharani]] possess the powers of [bodily] [[Relics of the Buddha]]'s corporal [[Body]]. | + | - {{Wiki|mnemonic}} device of [[Dharma]] (as apparent from its {{Wiki|etymological}} [[root]] dhr.i - meaning 'to hold, bear or support (of rafters)' (also per [[Tibetan]] gzun.s) - indicating the {{Wiki|mnemonic}} [[Dharani]] contains/supports abbreviated [[Knowledge]], until a cypher unpacks the meaning) |
+ | - charm words, or [[magic]] {{Wiki|spells}} (as seen in the {{Wiki|Chinese}} translations [as opposed to transliteration] [[咒語]] ([[spell]] [[Language]]?) or [[真言]] ([[true words]]?).) | ||
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+ | [[Dharani]] are also called '[[Dharma]]-[[Sarira]]' - or [textual] [[Relics]] of the [[Dharmakaya]] - or, [textual] [[Relics of the Buddha]]'s [[teaching]] [[Body]] ([[Dharmakaya]]). In this [[Light]], [[Dharani]] possess the [[powers]] of [[bodily]] [[Relics of the Buddha]]'s corporal [[Body]]. | ||
− | [[Dharani]] can refer to a speech act, a textual performance, a coordination of [spatial, aural/oral, visual] reality into a sacred [[Form]]. It is a series of syllables - of uncertain [any?] semantic value - an arrangement of sacred syllables. It may have begun as a 'table of contents' for [[Buddha]]'s teachings. Perhaps after passing through the mouths and ears of many [[Monks]], [[Dharani]] became oral rosaries. Condensed, hardened fragments of [[ | + | [[Dharani]] can refer to a [[speech]] act, a textual performance, a coordination of [spatial, aural/oral, [[visual]] [[reality]] into a [[sacred]] [[Form]]. It is a series of {{Wiki|syllables}} - of uncertain [any?] {{Wiki|semantic}} value - an arrangement of [[sacred]] {{Wiki|syllables}}. It may have begun as a 'table of contents' for [[Buddha]]'s teachings. Perhaps after passing through the mouths and {{Wiki|ears}} of many [[Monks]], [[Dharani]] became oral {{Wiki|rosaries}}. Condensed, hardened fragments of The [[Buddha]]'s corpus, twirling {{Wiki|past}} the lips of the [[faithful]] - the soundtrack of working [[Miracles]]. |
[[File:Namgyalma.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Namgyalma.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
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− | There are many [[Dharani]]. They each have different powers and capacities. Accordingly, they are each worshipped in distinct ways. Such powers and means of worship are usually explicated in the [[Sutra]] section of a '[[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]]'. In these [[Sutras]], [[ | + | Many practices arose to instatiate and celebrate the charm words of The [[Buddha]]'s [[Dharmakaya]]. [[Dharani]] are recited in daily liturgy. [[Dharani]] reproduction in 'clay [[seals]]' in {{Wiki|medieval}} [[Magadha]] ([[India]]) is attested in [[Xuanzang]]'s journal; Boucher says it was [[devotion]] to The [[Buddha]]'s verse of [[Interdependent Origination]] ("All [[Dharmas]] arise from a [[cause]]. I have explained this [[cause]]. When the [[cause]] is |
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+ | exhausted, there is [[cessation]]. I have produced such a [[teaching]]." "He who sees the [[Pratityasamutpada]] see the [[Dharma]]; he who sees the [[Dharma]] sees The [[Buddha]].") See, "[[Sutra]] on the [[Merit]] of Building a [[Stupa]] Spoken by The [[Buddha]]." {{Wiki|Empress Wu}} sponsored woodblocks to print quantities of [[sacred]] {{Wiki|syllables}}; the oldest surviving printed {{Wiki|matter}} in the [[World]] was a [[Dharani]] connected to {{Wiki|Empress Wu}}, discovered in a [[Stupa]] in [[Korea]]. The million wooden [[Stupas]] of Horyuji, [[Japan]], housed copies of several [[Dharani]] produced around the same [[Time]]. | ||
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+ | There are many [[Dharani]]. They each have different [[powers]] and capacities. Accordingly, they are each worshipped in {{Wiki|distinct}} ways. Such [[powers]] and means of {{Wiki|worship}} are usually explicated in the [[Sutra]] section of a '[[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]]'. In these [[Sutras]], The [[Buddha]] describes the [[Power]] of the [[Dharani]], explains how to {{Wiki|worship}} it, and then proclaims the secret {{Wiki|syllables}} for the [[sake]] of [[Sentient beings]]. | ||
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+ | Paul Copp wrote a PhD {{Wiki|dissertation}} at [[Princeton]] about one of the most prevalent [[Dharani]]. This [[Dharani]] is best activated by the carving of its {{Wiki|syllables}} into stone. Stone '[[Dharani]] pillars' are found in many [[temples]] around [[China]]. | ||
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+ | And in the 10th century in eastern [[China]], the [[king]] of {{Wiki|Wuyue}} cast "84,000" [[Stupas]] and printed [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]] to entomb in each of them. This [[Asokan]] act populated the landscape with [[Dharma]]. Because that [[Dharani]] is activated by its being entombed in a [[Stupa]], the [[king]] cast bronze and {{Wiki|iron}} '[[Asoka]] [[pagodas]]' to encase scrolls of the printed [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]]. Throughout the 20th century, these thousand year old 'tombs of textual [[Relics]]' were discovered in Eastern [[China]], often with the [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]] still intact within. | ||
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+ | As the central masterpiece of this production of [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]] {{Wiki|worship}}, the [[King]] of {{Wiki|Wuyue}} [[constructed]] an enormous stone [[Stupa]] over the site where was [[Wikipedia:burial|buried]] a gold-plated pure-silver '[[Asoka]] [[pagoda]]' - a Mysterious [[treasure]] recently excavated. Moreover, part of each baked brick used [[to build]] the walls was a narrow hole on one side. A copy of the [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]] was squeezed into these holes (sometimes also with | ||
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+ | a rubbing of the (elusive pure-silver?) '[[Asoka]] [[pagoda]]'.) Thus, every brick used in the construction of the walls of the [[pagoda]] was enchanted with the [[Power]] of an '[[Asoka]] [[pagoda]]' - every one contained a [[Dharani]]. This [[Way]], running through each of the bricks like a net of {{Wiki|pearls}}, a web of | ||
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+ | [[protection]], more than the sum of its parts, coursed through the very materials of the Leifeng {{Wiki|Thunder}} Peak [[pagoda]] of [[West]] Lake, {{Wiki|Hangzhou}}. The entire {{Wiki|Thunder}} Peak [[pagoda]] was a [[vehicle]] for the activation of this [[Dharani]]. | ||
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− | + | When the earthy remains of the decrepit {{Wiki|Thunder}} Peak [[pagoda]] collapsed in a powerful storm in 1924, amongst the shattered bricks was discovered hundreds of scrolls of the 975 edition of the [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]], printed by the [[King]] of {{Wiki|Wuyue}}. Eerily prescient, the [[Sutra]] section of the [[Dharani]]-[[Sutra]] describes a decrepit site where once a magnificent [[Stupa]] stood; at this site The [[Buddha]] reveals the [[Dharani]] that is the | |
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− | + | lexical [[embodiment]] of all of The [[Buddha]]'s profound [[truths]]. In 1924, at the decrepit site of what once was {{Wiki|Thunder}} Peak [[pagoda]], that very [[Dharani]] spoke by The [[Buddha]] was (again) revealed. If only [[Vajrapani]] had been there to interpret and explain The [[Buddha]]'s [[teaching]] of [[Impermanence]] through the [[Revelation]] of the Leifeng [[Dharani]] (doc 1mb). What did this [[Dharani]] say? | |
− | In construction/renovation of the Ideal Hotel in downtown San Diego during 2008, a free-translation of this [[Dharani]] was printed. [[Printing]] it, trimming it, and creating a scroll - the [[Dharani]] (along with the enduring [[Name]] of the cosmic [[Buddha]]) was placed amongst the rafters of the building, sealed behind dry-wall. Good intentions lay behind every piece of sheetrock in [[ | + | In construction/renovation of the {{Wiki|Ideal}} Hotel in downtown {{Wiki|San Diego}} during 2008, a free-translation of this [[Dharani]] was printed. [[Printing]] it, trimming it, and creating a scroll - the [[Dharani]] (along with the enduring [[Name]] of the [[cosmic]] [[Buddha]]) was placed amongst the rafters of the building, sealed behind dry-wall. Good {{Wiki|intentions}} lay behind every piece of sheetrock in the [[Dharma]] center, as [[embodied]] in the [[Red]] [[lotus]] [[Dharani]]. |
See also: [[Dharani]] | See also: [[Dharani]] |
Latest revision as of 07:57, 24 November 2020
dhāraṇī (陀羅尼). Usually in the Form of a long Mantra, it means Total retention (總持). With excellent memory, Samādhi, and Wisdom, A Bodhisattva has the inconceivable Power to unite all Dharmas and hold all meanings. He can not only retain all good Dharmas but also stop the rise of Evil Dharmas.
Dharani is a multivalent term, referring at once to:
- mnemonic device of Dharma (as apparent from its etymological root dhr.i - meaning 'to hold, bear or support (of rafters)' (also per Tibetan gzun.s) - indicating the mnemonic Dharani contains/supports abbreviated Knowledge, until a cypher unpacks the meaning) - charm words, or magic spells (as seen in the Chinese translations [as opposed to transliteration] 咒語 (spell Language?) or 真言 (true words?).)
Dharani are also called 'Dharma-Sarira' - or [textual] Relics of the Dharmakaya - or, [textual] Relics of the Buddha's teaching Body (Dharmakaya). In this Light, Dharani possess the powers of bodily Relics of the Buddha's corporal Body.
Dharani can refer to a speech act, a textual performance, a coordination of [spatial, aural/oral, visual reality into a sacred Form. It is a series of syllables - of uncertain [any?] semantic value - an arrangement of sacred syllables. It may have begun as a 'table of contents' for Buddha's teachings. Perhaps after passing through the mouths and ears of many Monks, Dharani became oral rosaries. Condensed, hardened fragments of The Buddha's corpus, twirling past the lips of the faithful - the soundtrack of working Miracles.
Many practices arose to instatiate and celebrate the charm words of The Buddha's Dharmakaya. Dharani are recited in daily liturgy. Dharani reproduction in 'clay seals' in medieval Magadha (India) is attested in Xuanzang's journal; Boucher says it was devotion to The Buddha's verse of Interdependent Origination ("All Dharmas arise from a cause. I have explained this cause. When the cause is
exhausted, there is cessation. I have produced such a teaching." "He who sees the Pratityasamutpada see the Dharma; he who sees the Dharma sees The Buddha.") See, "Sutra on the Merit of Building a Stupa Spoken by The Buddha." Empress Wu sponsored woodblocks to print quantities of sacred syllables; the oldest surviving printed matter in the World was a Dharani connected to Empress Wu, discovered in a Stupa in Korea. The million wooden Stupas of Horyuji, Japan, housed copies of several Dharani produced around the same Time.
There are many Dharani. They each have different powers and capacities. Accordingly, they are each worshipped in distinct ways. Such powers and means of worship are usually explicated in the Sutra section of a 'Dharani-Sutra'. In these Sutras, The Buddha describes the Power of the Dharani, explains how to worship it, and then proclaims the secret syllables for the sake of Sentient beings.
Paul Copp wrote a PhD dissertation at Princeton about one of the most prevalent Dharani. This Dharani is best activated by the carving of its syllables into stone. Stone 'Dharani pillars' are found in many temples around China.
And in the 10th century in eastern China, the king of Wuyue cast "84,000" Stupas and printed Dharani-Sutra to entomb in each of them. This Asokan act populated the landscape with Dharma. Because that Dharani is activated by its being entombed in a Stupa, the king cast bronze and iron 'Asoka pagodas' to encase scrolls of the printed Dharani-Sutra. Throughout the 20th century, these thousand year old 'tombs of textual Relics' were discovered in Eastern China, often with the Dharani-Sutra still intact within.
As the central masterpiece of this production of Dharani-Sutra worship, the King of Wuyue constructed an enormous stone Stupa over the site where was buried a gold-plated pure-silver 'Asoka pagoda' - a Mysterious treasure recently excavated. Moreover, part of each baked brick used to build the walls was a narrow hole on one side. A copy of the Dharani-Sutra was squeezed into these holes (sometimes also with
a rubbing of the (elusive pure-silver?) 'Asoka pagoda'.) Thus, every brick used in the construction of the walls of the pagoda was enchanted with the Power of an 'Asoka pagoda' - every one contained a Dharani. This Way, running through each of the bricks like a net of pearls, a web of
protection, more than the sum of its parts, coursed through the very materials of the Leifeng Thunder Peak pagoda of West Lake, Hangzhou. The entire Thunder Peak pagoda was a vehicle for the activation of this Dharani.
When the earthy remains of the decrepit Thunder Peak pagoda collapsed in a powerful storm in 1924, amongst the shattered bricks was discovered hundreds of scrolls of the 975 edition of the Dharani-Sutra, printed by the King of Wuyue. Eerily prescient, the Sutra section of the Dharani-Sutra describes a decrepit site where once a magnificent Stupa stood; at this site The Buddha reveals the Dharani that is the
lexical embodiment of all of The Buddha's profound truths. In 1924, at the decrepit site of what once was Thunder Peak pagoda, that very Dharani spoke by The Buddha was (again) revealed. If only Vajrapani had been there to interpret and explain The Buddha's teaching of Impermanence through the Revelation of the Leifeng Dharani (doc 1mb). What did this Dharani say?
In construction/renovation of the Ideal Hotel in downtown San Diego during 2008, a free-translation of this Dharani was printed. Printing it, trimming it, and creating a scroll - the Dharani (along with the enduring Name of the cosmic Buddha) was placed amongst the rafters of the building, sealed behind dry-wall. Good intentions lay behind every piece of sheetrock in the Dharma center, as embodied in the Red lotus Dharani.
See also: Dharani