The Guhyasamāja Pi Ik Ta-Sādhana and Its Context
The Guhyasamāja Pi Ik Ta-Sādhana and Its Context
its context
Contents
Abstract.....................................................................................................................................................5
1.
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................7
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................55
Appendix A.
Structure of the sdhana related to the four yogas and the three sdhana stages.......56
Appendix B.
B.1.
B.2.
B.3.
B.4.
B.5.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Bibliography .................................................................................................................119
Abstract
This paper analyses and comments on the Piikta-sdhana, a ritual practice manual
for the Guhyasamja Highest Yoga Tantra, attributed to Ngrjuna. It is based on a correlated
translation of the Sanskrit and Tibetan versions of the text prepared for the purpose. Various
opinions concerning the author and the date of the original setting down of the text (800950CE) are examined and the contents of the sdhana are explained and put into the context
of other sdhanas and the corpus of Guhyasamja texts. Particular attention has been given to
making the translation of the visualizations of the architecture and the deities themselves clear
by providing tables and illustrations. The philosophical background of the text is investigated
and the way in which that was subtly altered by subsequent commentators when it no longer
fitted the later philosophical climate is made clear. The continuity of the practice is
discussed, from its inception to the present day.
1.
Introduction
The Pikta sdhana is a ritual practice manual for the performance of the Guhyasamja
Tantra. Based on the attached translation of the Piikta-sdhana produced for the purpose, this
paper analyses the contents of the sdhana and places the sdhana in its context within the corpus of
Guhyasamja Highest Yoga Tantra works.
The title is also used to describe the ritual itself. The text is most likely to have originally
been set down between 800 and 950 CE, yet it is still performed regularly in Tibetan Buddhist
monasteries, particularly of the Gelukpa School, as can be seen in the documentary film Tibet: A
Buddhist Trilogy1, performed by the monks of Thikse monastery in Ladakh. The sdhana is not
usually performed in public, so the extract in this film is very useful. The sub-titles for the ritual
have been translated by Thubten Jinpa who translated the Sacred Words of Lord Akshobhya2, one
of the commentaries cited below. Scenes 24 and 26 of the film correspond to vv.17-26 and vv36-37
of the translation, though the words chanted are those of the more developed version by Tsong-khapa3.
This paper investigates the history and contents of the Pikta sdhana, tracing the origin
and development of the text through to the version used today.
1 Coleman 2005.
2 Akhu Sherab Gyatso 1999.
3 Tsong kha pa T5303
2.
4 henceforth PKS
5 Skt: anuttara-yoga-tantra
6 henceforth PK
7 Skt: n
8 Skt: cakra
The Sanskrit text was first published with notes in French by Louis de la Valle Poussin9.
More recently, Tripathi produced a critical edition of the text with notes in Hindi10. The text was
translated into Tibetan twice: first by raddhkavarman and Rin-chen bZang-po, found in both the
Derge11 and Peking12 editions of the Tengyur and later by Chag Chos-rje dPal, only found in the
Peking13 and related editions of the Tengyur.
The text has two different Sanskrit titles: in the corresponding catalogues, the Sanskrit titles
of T1796 and P2661 are given as Piikta-sdhana whereas the title of P4788 is given as
Piikrama-sdhana. The Sanskrit text refers to itself as Piikrama-sdhana in the closing
verse and so it seems most likely that this is the original title14. However, since the text is mostly
referred to as Piikta-sdhana, this will be employed as the title within this paper.
In Tibetan, the titles used are as follows:
T1796:
P2661:
P4788:
P4788 is often overlooked as the title differs from the other two.
Sanskrit editions
The edition by de la Valle Poussin was prepared from two Sanskrit manuscripts in the
Bibliothque nationale, Paris, which together provide a complete text of the PKS and PK and a
word-commentary on both by ParahitarakOita called PacakramaPippa15. Tripathi used the
printed edition of de la Valle Poussin along with three others for his edition of the PKS:
10
The verse numbering from de la Valle Poussin has been preferred to that of Tripathi, who
split some three-line verses into two, but not others and omitted an entire verse, v.200 in de la
Valle Poussin, but gives no reason.
Tibetan editions
The Derge and Peking versions, T1796 and P2661 agree closely, such differences being able
to be accounted for by accumulated copying errors. Occasionally the Peking version has been
preferred, which is noted in Appendix D. The Peking version P4788 does have certain differences,
since, as will be seen, it was re-translated and revised over three hundred years later. In particular,
v.17 and the extended colophon will be discussed below.
The foliation used for the Tibetan text is that of the Derge edition, T1796.
11
12
little in the tantric works attributed to Ngrjuna which allow them to be dated: they only refer to
the Guhyasamja Root and Subsequent Tantras and to the Explanatory Tantras (vykhytantra).
However, of the available Tibetan historical accounts of the development of Buddhism, Trantha
does provide an account explaining how these works come to be attributed to Ngrjuna, allowing
an attempt at dating them. On the other hand, Bu-ston clearly does consider Ngrjuna to be the
author of these works, explaining that Ngrjuna was active for 600 years27. Gos Lo-tsa-ba gZhonnu-dpal glosses over the point28 by listing Ngrjuna, Candrakrti, iOyvajra, KOcrya, Gomira,
Abbhija and Gos Lhas-btsas as the lineage. Gos Lhas-btsas was a disciple of Brog-mi (9921072CE29) and a contemporary of Marpa30, so we have just six individuals spanning a period of
about 750 years, yet Gos make no comment on this (although it is consistent with Ngrjuna living
for 600 years and the others having a normal lifespan).
Trantha does not seem to consider that anyone can have a supernatural lifespan. For
example, he says of one of the abbots of Vikramala, rdhara:
The Tibetans imagine that he was a direct disciple of crya KOcrya, but the periods
of their coming to the mortal world were different and hence he could not have been his
disciple when, in the later period, he received his vision31
13
Both the Ganden Jangtse Guhyasamja Lineage prayer32 and Trantha relate that MtaXgpa
received all the tantric works of Ngrjuna father and son33, meaning Ngrjuna and ryadeva.
However, in order to account for the fact that Ngrjuna and ryadeva were both long dead by that
time, Trantha explains:
Though it is said that siddha MtaXg was a disciple of crya Ngrjuna, and his
disciple [ryadeva], he could not have lived at that time [ i.e. the time of Ngrjuna and
ryadeva]. He could have had their vision later34
In addition, Trantha relates that crya RakOita-pda composed the Pradpoddyotana under
the instructions of Candrakrti and that paita Rhula met Ngabodhi, presumably also in a
vision35.
So we see that it is not possible that the tantric works attributed to Ngrjuna and the other
famous Madhyamaka masters were actually composed by them. It appears that they were first set
down by the individuals who are credited with having received them in visions, as explained by
Trantha.
32 Ganden Jangtse.
33 Chimpa and Chattopadhyaya 1990: 273.
34 Chimpa and Chattopadhyaya 1990: 129.
35 Chimpa and Chattopadhyaya 1990: 273.
14
15
Devapla. In fact, as given by Bu-ston43 Devapla was the grandson of Dharmapla: this has been
confirmed by archaeological discoveries made at the time of Cunningham of the Archaeological
Survey of India, conveniently summed up by Jhunu Bagchi44. Dharmapla is now thought to have
reigned 775-810CE , giving a date of about 795CE for the death of Haribhadra, supporting
Matsunagas date for Jnapdas activities of 750-800CE.
The Ganden Jangtse Guhyasamja Lineage prayer gives Tilopa as the next member of the
lineage after MtaXgpa and the Song of Tilopa relates how he received the Guhyasamja lineage
from MtaXgpa45. Wylie has shown how the traditional dates of Nropa, Tilopas disciple, are
misplaced by one sixty-year calendar cycle46 and the same applies to Tilopa, giving 928-1009CE.
Allowing time for MtaXgpa to receive the teachings from Ngrjuna and then pass them on to
Tilopa would give a date of perhaps 925-975CE for this.
As such, it is likely that the PKS did not exist until at least 800CE and probably did exist by
950CE. This range is about fifty years earlier than that proposed by Wedermeyer for the
Carymelpakapradpa of ryadeva47 which is subject to the same lineage and dating.
16
3.
Verses
Homage verse
Motivation
Protection wheel
16
16
18
19
22
23
26
27
35
36
37
Manifesting as a Tthgata
38
39
43
44
46
47
50
51
52
Placing the deities on the body and practice of Higher Yoga (atiyoga)
52
68
69
70
77
78
83
84
89
90
91
93
94
95
96
101
102
106
17
92
107
115
116
197
Practice of the subtle yoga (skOmayoga) - visualizing the vajra and drop
198
204
205
210
211
215
216
217
218
220
221
228
How the whole world obtains the deathless state through this practice
229
230
Visualizing oneself as each other deity in turn and undertaking its specific
activity, then sitting down in the maala
(follows)
18
which the practice takes place and then places the thirty-two deities within, beginning with oneself
as AkOobhya. This section aligns with the maala visualization described by Skorupski. Then in
verses 107-197, the self-generation practice is undertaken: one visualizes oneself as each of the
thirty-two deities and undertakes their specific activities in turn. Such a practice is also described by
Skorupski.
The major difference lies in the lack of a Vase Meditation in the PKS. Instead of laying out a
set of deities at specific locations within a vase, we find two cycles of laying out the deities on the
body of the practitioner and then on the body of the consort in PKS vv.52-101. This difference may
be accounted for by the consideration of the body as a vessel, leading to the replacement of the
Vase visualization with that of the Body Maala.
1 Homage
The homage verse of the PKS is not just a homage to Buddha but also to Njrjuna the
Madhyamaka. It parallels the homage verse at the start of the Mlamadyamakakrik where
Ngrjuna pays homage to the fully enlightened one, the best of speakers who has demonstrated
Dependent Arising, with the PKS using such epithets as freed from the laws of the three realms
19
and the only being free from conceptual thought49. The association of these two states: freed
from the laws of the three realms and being free from conceptual thought is a key concept in
Yogcra philosophy and in the Sanskrit text, nirvikalpa is used for the second term.
Wayman has pointed out the use of Yogcra vocabulary in texts of the Guhyasamja
corpus50, particularly noting such use in the Vajraml51 from which the PKS itself says it has
arisen52. With the dating of the PKS as proposed above and the association of Buddharjna
with the Guhyasamja tradition, we can see that the philosophical background to the Guhyasamja
tradition comes from the Yogcra-Madhyamaka school, as follows. Buddharjna was a disciple
of Haribhadra and both Haribhadra and Buddharjna are credited with writing philosophical
works in the Yogcra-Madhyamaka school53. Given the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra,
involving the visualization and creation with the mind of universes, palaces, thrones, deities and so
forth followed by actually becoming the deities and undertaking their activities, the Yogcra
interpretation of reality and the central role of mind in that provides an appropriate philosophical
basis for tantra. The original Madhyamaka philosophical position, on the other hand, does not
provide any specific support to tantra. The Yogcra basis of tantra will be discussed further in
consideration of PKS v.17 below.
49 PKS v.1
50 Wayman 1977: 194, 202.
51 Wayman 1977: 202.
52 PKS v.230
53 Ruegg 1981: 101-102.
20
2-5 Motivation
The motivation repeats the point that vikalpa (discursive thought) binds beings to the three
realms. It then makes the point that with tantra one practices wisdom through bliss not through
suffering and penance.
21
occurs twice and likely represents the first use of this mantra, as far as can be seen. su^bha
nisu^bha is also rendered as u^bha niu^bha in some places. In this translation, u^bha
niu^bha is interpreted as a pair of verbal imperatives from umbh. They can also be taken as
vocative nouns when they are the names of a pair of Brahmanical deities involved in a famous
revolt against iva. Linrothe relates this story58 and proposes parallels between it and
Trailokyavijayas subjugation of Mahevara in the STTS Chapter 6 where the mantra first occurs.
Considering the mantra and the story as related, four points can be made:
1. If the verbal senses of u^bha and niu^bha are not used, the mantra doesnt
have any sense of destroying obstacles the destructive force being provided by these
two verbs.
2. In the legend, u^bha and Niu^bha are destroyed by iva making them not very
appropriate deities to invoke as powerful wrathful protectors.
3. In the STTS verses, u^bha and niu^bha only occur in the mantras, not as
characters in the main body of the narrative;
4. niu^bha occurs without u^bha in the same section of the STTS, in the mantra:
o^ nisu^bha vajra h^ phaP
yet in the legend, they always appear together.
22
For these reasons, in this translation, the verbal sense has been adopted, rather than leaving
them as the untranslated names of the deities.
23
24
accept external objects as conventional designations. Therefore, they say that the system
of the Pradpoddyotana does not accept external objects.65
We see here that Tsong-kha-pa is having to reconcile the position of Candrakrti the
Mdhyamika, who is credited with being the founder of the PrsaXgika branch of Madhyamaka
philosophy with that of Candrakrti the Tantrika who is quite happy to relate Yogcra ideas
without comment. Bentor explains that Tsong-kha-pa glosses over other aspects of this when
analysing other statements in Candrakrtis Pradpoddyotana.
In PKS v.18, the idea of emptiness as the basis of Tantra is demonstrated when the first
elemental maala is brought forth from that very emptiness with the phrase after thinking that
what is empty no longer has the nature of being unchanging . . .. So Emptiness is here viewed as
having an active nature.
25
tradition. A number of descriptions of it have been published, translated from Tibetan commentarial
material: Lama Doboom Tulku translates an unidentified passage from T1810, dpal gsang ba 'dus
pa'i dkyil 'khor gyi cho ga nyi shu (r-guhyasamja-maala-vi^ati-vidhi) by Ngabodhi68 and
Thurman translates an unidentified passage from the Glorious Esoteric Communion Self-Creation
Yoga practice manual of Namgyal Monastery.69 Both these translations suffer in the same way:
the Sanskrit text uses Indian architectural terms to describe the Palace, which were translated
literally into Tibetan, losing their meaning unless accompanied by a commentary. Doboom Tulku
and Thurman do not reflect the architectural usage in their translations. Mori, in his work on the
Vajrval70 has helpfully identified where the various architectural features lie on the flat maala
projection, but still does not translate them. Indian Architecture by Brown71 and Indian
Monoliths by Nagar72 provide useful background to the architecture of Indian Temples and allow
the following summary of the architectural terms used in the PKS to be made. Further work was
required by this author to clarify certain terms:
26
Sanskrit
Tibetan
toraa
rta babs
stambha
ka ba
Architectural meaning
arched or roofed
gateway or porch
column
column with pot-
kumbha-stambha73
bum pa ka ba
mah-vajra^
bre la phreng ba
coping of a wall
Source
Brown (Glos. p.209)
Brown (Glos. p.209),
Nagar (Intro. p.3)
Brown (Pallavas p.79)
Nagar (Intro. p.3-5)
Nagar (Intro. p.2-3)
See below
Mori identifies that the location of the kramarOa` on the toraa of the Guhyasamja
maala and of the Cittamaala of the Klacakramaala74 are the same. As he does this on a
stylized flat projection, it is difficult to understand where this feature lies on a real building.
Fortunately, in his book on Maalas75, Brauen provides a key to the Klacakra maala
diagram, showing which elements represent a plan projection (i.e. the horizontal surfaces) and
which represent an elevation projection (i.e. the vertical surfaces). Combining both sets of
information allows us to see that the kramarOa` is the topmost layer (or coping) of the wall. The
diagrams are reproduced in Appendix C.
To help make the meaning of the translation clearer, some photographs of a three-dimensional
model of the Guhyasamja Maala Palace are included in Appendix C. The model resides in
27
rGyud-sMad Tantric College in Karnataka, India. The picture of the toraa shows the kumbhastambha with the kumbha as the base not as the capitals. This has been corrected in the second
image, to align with this translation.
28
follows, here it is clear that they should be envisaged as well. V.38 appears to be a summary of
what is to happen next, with reference to the Vajraml77 for a full explanation.
In vv.39-42, four cycles of dissolution take place, one for each of the Buddha families other
that that of AkOobhya. In each cycle, a group of five entities is merged with the two wrathful
ones. In v.43, it is clear that these are the wrathful ones above and below Sumbharja and
UOOacakravart. Each of the entities is associated with particular deities from the body maala
which are dissolved along with the entity, so carrying out the bring(ing) them into (their) true
state referred to in v.37. The five entities in each round of dissolution are: one of the aggregates,
one of the Buddha Wisdoms, one of the elements, one of the sense faculties and one of the sense
objects. The entities and their corresponding deities are given in Appendix B.3. The inclusion of the
Buddha Wisdoms here again brings a strong Yogcra element into this part of the practice. The
Buddha Wisdoms are specifically defined in the Mahynastrla^kra of Maitreya with
commentary by AsaXga78.
There is a conflict here in the placing of Khagarbha and Lokevara in the dissolution since the
sense faculties they are associated with are aligned with different Buddha families from those of
the deities themselves. Khagarbha is from the Ratnasambhava family and Lokevara is from the
Amitbha family. Sarvanvaraa-viOkambin represents the whole body in the body maala and is
29
from the Amoghasiddhi family and Sparavajr represents the sense object of touch, being
AkOobhyas consort. It is not clear in the PKS when these latter two dissolve. Also, of the ten
Wrathful Deities, only Sumbharja and UOOacakravart are specifically mentioned, yet is clear that
by the end, nothing is left. Later commentaries include a pair of Wrathful Deities in each cycle of
dissolution and also include Sarvanvaraa-viOkambin and Sparavajr in the fourth cycle of
dissolution79 since these two are related to the whole body which only completely dissolves at the
end of the fourth cycle of dissolution.
In v.43, UOOacakravart, representing the consciousness aggregate80 and Sumbharja as its
purified object an understanding of the fundamental appearance (of reality), merge into pure
consciousness, represented by Majur who has not been dissolved thus far. Majur then
dissolves into the Clear Light, which also constitutes the final dissolution of AkOobhya, whose
consciousness he represents, finally leaving nothing. This state of Clear Light is identified as the
All-empty Nirvaa and also as the Dharmakya.
30
lotus and their related syllables o^, ` and h^ represent the Body, Speech and Mind of all
Tathgatas. These all become united and take on the nature of the wisdom-vajra which was referred
to earlier in the mantra following v.44. This union, having the nature of the wisdom vajra which
represents emptiness is then referred to as the moon-disc filled with bodhicitta, bodhicitta being
used in its sense of the ultimate nature of reality. One then considers all existence to be in the same
state.
31
Apart from recreating the o^, ` and h^ syllables which were dissolved into the bodhicitta as
above and then transforming these into the dibuddha, the PKS does not provide any other details
as to the practice to perform for the Subsequent Yoga.
Later commentaries, from those attributed to Candrakrti onwards84, explain this yoga as
representing the exercise of the Body, Speech and Mind of the Sambhogakya, which is consistent
with the structure of the sdhana since the previous section manifested the Dharmakya (v.44ff) and
the following section manifests the Nirmakya.
5252-68 Placing the deities on the body and practice of Higher Yoga (atiyoga)
In the Guhyasamja tradition, as explained above, mahyoga comes after atiyoga: so
atiyoga has been translated here as higher yoga rather than highest yoga.
The Higher Yoga solely consists of transforming oneself, as the dibuddha, into the form of
AkOobhya and visualizing the deities and their attributes placed on various parts of the body, as
listed in Appendix B.2. For many deities, the detail is sparse and later commentaries, as for the
previous section, provide the missing syllables, colours, natures and so forth.
84 Akhu Sherab Gyatso 1999: 136, Tsephel, Yangchen Gawai Lodoe, and Nagarjuna 1995: 32, Wayman 1977: 249.
32
6969-90 Beginning the practice of Great Yoga (mahyoga) and blessing the Body, the
Speech,
Speech, the Mind and all three together
The Great Yoga begins with a three-part visualization and blessing of oneself as the Body, the
Speech and the Mind vajras. The process uses a three-buddha family representation of Body,
Speech and Mind, with Vairocana paired with Locan, Amitbha paired with Paravsin and
AkOobhya paired with Mmak, rather than with Sparavajr, his consort in the Guhyasamja
maala. Snellgrove has discussed the development of the three and five buddha families within the
development of tantra85 and the location of Mmak in the Guhyasamja maala will be discussed
further below.
The pairs of deities are brought forth from the same seats and syllables as were used in
vv.47-50 when bringing forth the Sambhogakya, at the crown, throat and heart, but with the
emphasis on the female deities first. In each cycle, verses from the GST Ch.12 are recited86,
requesting the Buddhas of the ten directions to transform one into the vajras of body, speech and
mind and to bless one. In each case, a mantra is recited, confirming the transformation.
AkOobhya is not explicitly mentioned, but it is instructed that the practitioner is to merge with
Mmak and as one has already taken the form of AkOobhya in v.53, it is clear that Mmak is
paired with AkOobhya here, rather than Ratnasambhava.
33
One then takes on the natures of all three together, in preparation for the next stage.
87 Skt: samaya-sattva
88 Skt: jna-sattva
89 Skorupski 2001: 83.
90 Skt: samdhi-sattva
91 Skt: mahsdhana
92 Wayman 1977: 156-157, 175-178.
34
93 Skt: upasdhana
94 Skt: sdhana
95 Tsephel, Yangchen Gawai Lodoe, and Nagarjuna 1995: 41-42.
96 Tsephel, Yangchen Gawai Lodoe, and Nagarjuna 1995: 45.
35
one of the activities that set Higher Yoga Tantra apart from the lower tantras the practice of
sexual union, whether carried out as a self-visualization or with an actual partner. Fremantle
comments on the corresponding section of the GST97, quoting the Pradpoddyotana of Candrakrti
to the effect that a real girl is the consort here98.
Reciting the mantra of passion, v.104f, and uniting with the consort, one emits the bodhicitta,
in the sense of semen, with the phaP. Offering this with the mantra of worship, v.106f, one comes
forth again as AkOobhya, from the bodhicitta - both in the sense of the semen and of emptiness.
36
another AkOobhya from the mantra vajradhk and sends that forth to exercise the miraculous
powers of a Buddha101, returning it to ones own heart and merging with it. Then, as listed in
Appendix B.5, each of other thirty-one deities of the maala are brought forth from their
respective mantras and sent out to perform their appropriate Buddha activities. Each is then returned
to the heart of the central AkOobhya and then placed in the maala on their specific seats.
So this part of the PKS again aligns with the equivalent practice in Yoga Tantra.
Although the deities were visualized and placed in the maala earlier, in vv27-35, the full
details of the deities appearances and locations are only provided in this section. It might be
supposed that the layout of the maala is derived from some description in the GST itself. This is
mostly true, the description forming part of GST Ch.1102. However, Tsuda has pointed out
anomalies between GST Ch.1 and PKS vv107-197, which he summarizes in section 4 of his
paper103. He makes two points:
1. The positions of Locan and Mmak are reversed between the GST and the PKS;
2. The positions of the Sense Goddesses are not clearly identified in the GST and the
positions they have in PKS are not supported by his interpretation of GST Ch.1.
37
With regard to the first point, Tsuda proposes that Ngrjuna has misunderstood or
distorted the maala described in the GST. We will use Ngrjuna as a convenient shorthand
for whoever did write the PKS, as discussed above. If this is the case, we might suppose that this
problem would confined to the rya Guhyasamja tradition and the earlier Jnapda tradition
might preserve a different interpretation. The Guhyasamja maala of the Jnapda tradition is
described in the work by Buddharjna addressing the Generation Stage, available in Tibetan with
the somewhat confusing title: kun tu bzang po zhes bya ba'i sgrub pa'i thabs 104, said to have been
translated from the Samantabhadra-nma-sdhana in Sanskrit, now lost. However, the layout of
the four female consorts as described there matches that in the PKS, not the hypothetical earlier
arrangement proposed by Tsuda. So it seems as if the cause of the problem arises earlier, in some
material common to both traditions, which also rules out the Guhyasamja Explanatory Tantras, as
they are only used by the rya tradition.
Tsuda relates that the locations of the five Buddhas and the four consorts are the same in the
STTS and the GST, except that Locan and Mmak are interchanged and have been carried
forward into the GST maala from the STTS maala. Unfortunately this proves not to be the case
on inspection. It is possible to justify Tsudas idea, but this requires intermediate steps.
In STTS Ch. 1, a Vajra-dhtu-mah-maala is described, which is conveniently
38
summarized by Mori as the Vajradhtumaala105. Neither Mmak nor Locan are found here,
as are neither Paravsin nor Tr also. Instead, in the intermediate directions next to each of the
four surrounding Buddhas, on their left hand side, we find Vajra-lsy, Vajra-ml, Vajra-gt and
Vajra-nty106. Tsuda does mention these deities and calls them the Four Inner Offering
Goddesses, but passes by the absence of the Four Goddesses Mmak etc. without comment.
Skorupskis translation of the SDPS, another yoga tantra work closely related to the STTS, gives
two versions of an SDPS maala: the first version from his source A 107 is earlier, translated into
Tibetan at the end of the 8thCCE108; the second version, represented by Mori109 is from a later
13thCCE108 source B110. The two versions are quite different. Version A does resemble the
Vajradhtumaala but, critically, includes the Four Goddesses Mmak etc. They are found in the
locations previously held by Vajra-lsy etc., with these four goddesses being demoted a level in
the maala and now being paired with the Four Outer Offering Goddesses: Vajra-dhp, VajrapuOp, Vajra-dp and Vajra-gandh; all eight offering goddesses now residing in the outer
gallery111. It is this configuration of the Four Goddesses that appears to be carried forward into
the GST maala from the SDPS Maala, rather than the configuration in the STTS Maala,
39
Taisho 865
Amoghavajra 753CE;
SDPS
Taisho 939
Faxian
989-999CE;
GST
Taisho 885
Dnapla
1002CE.
40
carried forward into the GST maala, but transformed into the four Sense Goddesses. However,
apart from belonging to the same Buddha-families, there seems to be little in common between
them to justify the association:
Description - SDPS114
Description PKS
vv.147-152
Rpavajr
form
white
main object: mirror
abdavajr
sound
yellow
main object: lute
Gandhavajr
smell
red
main object: conch
Rasavajr
taste
green
vessel
Vajra-lsy
seduction
white
holding two vajras
Vajra-ml
garland
yellow
holding a garland
Vajra-gt
song
pale read
holding a kind of lute
Vajra-nty
dance
green
holding a three-pronged vajra
Tsuda then goes on to say that the Sense Goddesses are actually in union with their
corresponding Buddhas, rather than seated on their left-hand sides where Vajra-lsy etc. are found
in the STTS maala. He proposes this based on his interpretation of the phrase
mahmudrsa^yogaparamapadai`, which is used to describe the state of each of the five main
Buddhas as they are manifested in GST Ch.1. However, Fremantle prefers
mahmudrsa^yogaparamapadena, noting . . .ai` as a variant reading115. Tsuda proposes that
the sa^yoga, which he takes as union, is here with a mahmudr, as a highest mudr, with
41
mudr in the meaning of a tantric consort116. Fremantle translates it as union with the Great
Symbol of . . .. Comparing the two, it should be said that the Sanskrit sa^yoga has much more
of the meaning of absorption or merging with than that of a temporary joining of two things.
Taking Fremantles interpretation, we see that the presiding deity merges with the Great Symbol
of each of the deities to be manifested Vajradhk etc. and brings forth the relevant deity from
that union, as described in PKS vv. 108-197.
So here , Tsudas proposal as to the original location of the four Sense Goddesses does not
really stand up: in the SDPS maala, the four Inner Offering Goddesses have been moved away
from the central four intermediate positions to the corners where the four Outer Offering Goddesses
are and his interpretation of the four Sense Goddesses being in union with the four directional
Buddhas does not seem an appropriate translation either.
42
Sense Goddesses are placed in their specific locations. However this has not yet been identified. It
is unlikely to be the Guhyasamja Explanatory Tantras as these do not form part of the Jnapda
tradition. As to the reversal of Mmaki and Locan, this would seem a logical consequence of the
promotion of AkOobhya to the central position and the movement of Vairocana to the East. To
anyone with a strong sense of symmetry, it would be natural to reverse Mmak and Locan to
match. It is the GST itself which seems anomalous here, when comparing the SDPS with the layout
in the PKS.
The locations of the Sense Goddesses align with their Buddha families, but as to their origins
and role in the GST, no convincing precursors have been identified Tsudas proposal is not
convincing. This remains an open question also118.
Determining the source of the intermediate position between the GST and the PKS in order
to identify the origins of the transposition of Mmak and Locan and the locations of the Sense
Goddess remains a topic for further research.
198198-204 Practice of the subtle yoga (skOmayoga) - visualizing the vajra and drop
This section begins the subtle yoga119 and represents the Victorious Activities Yoga120. A
practice with this title also occurs in Yoga Tantra but as described by Skorupski as the Highest
118 Skorupski makes brief mention of five deities Vajrarp, Vajraabd etc. as part of an SDPS sdhana in Skorupski 2001: 125.
However, the origin of these deities and their relationship to Rpvajr, abdavajr etc. in the GST is not at all clear.
119 Skt: skOmayoga
120 Skt: karmavijayayoga
43
44
explain that one can only visualize the deities and their symbols into the drop and then emanate
them once it is stable. In order to achieve stability, they explain that if one experiences laxity, one
meditates on the drop and if one experiences excitement, one mediates on the vajra.
Tsephel et al. also explain that this practice rapidly achieves the union of Calm Abiding125
and Special Insight126, stability representing the achievement of Calm Abiding and the emanating
and returning of the clouds of deities representing the exercise of Special Insight127. Hopkins
explains this as well128.
The later commentaries also explain that this practice acts as a bridge into the Completion
Stage practices. This same practice is then re-interpreted with the vocabulary of winds,
centres and channels to form the beginning of the Completion Stage129. This will not be
discussed further here, however, as the PKS does not address the Completion Stage130.
205205-215 Songs of the Four Goddesses and Worshiping the Five Buddhas
In the verses of the Songs of the Four Goddesses (vv.205-209), the Goddesses are not named.
They are identified in the GST itself from where these verse are taken131 and also in the
Pradpoddyotana of Candrakrti: in the Sanskrit version of the GST, Mmak is named as the first,
45
with Locan second, the other two not being identified; in the Tibetan GST, only the second is
named, being Mmak; in the Pradpoddyotana of Candrakrti they are identified as Locan,
Mmak, Paaravsin and Tr132. Once again we see the inversion of Mmak and Locan and
inconsistency in the objects of praise:
Object of praise
Object of praise
(Skt. PKS)
Pradpoddyotana)
(Tib. PKS)
vajrasattva
(Pr. Locan)
(vajra nature)
vajrakya
Mmak
(vajra body)
vajravca
(vajra speech)
(Pr. Paaravsin)
vajrakma
(Pr. Tr)
(vajra desire)
If we align the Goddesses with their original male consorts from the SDPS maala,
described above, Locan aligns with Vairocana who represents body, Paaravsin with
Amitbha as speech and Mmak with AkOobhya as mind134. The inversion of Locan and
Mmak loses this relationship. There is no explanation of the layout offered in the PKS or the later
commentaries already cited above.
Apparently the Songs do arouse the deity to emerge again from Emptiness (v.210) and all
four goddess join in a five-fold praise. This lauds him with the qualities of each of the Five Buddhas
46
in turn. The five verses of praise are from GST Ch. 17 vv.1-5135.
216216-217 Abiding as the Single Lord and transforming the whole universe into the
same state
This verse summarizes a number of stages of emanation and dissolution which are explained
in the commentary by Akhu Sherab Gyatso136. All the deities of the maala are again manifested
and then merged with the deities placed on the body earlier as the body maala. The Maala
Palace is dissolved into the body and the body deities dissolved in a similar fashion to that in
vv.36-46, the consort then being dissolved into the Lord, leaving the Lord alone in the state of great
bliss.
The practitioner then visualizes the all the inhabitants of the universe as vajra-beings
(enlightened beings) and works to bring this into actual reality.
218
218-230 Concluding and subsequent practices
The final section is described by Akhu Sherab Gyatso as the yoga of in-between sessions137
meaning what one should do while not undertaking the actual sdhana. PKS v.281 recalls v.4 in the
practice of wisdom through bliss with vv.222-228 particularly relating the eating of food while
47
v.229 explains the benefits of the practice in terms of longevity, good health, prosperity and so on.
The sdhana concludes with v.230 which compares the sdhana to butter or curds brought
forth when the ocean of Guhyasamja is churned with the paddle the Vajra-mla explanatory tantra.
48
4.
the GST. The grammar of the text is completely classical, not exhibiting any of the peculiarities
of Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit as defined by Edgerton. Specific Buddhist vocabulary is employed
sometimes, but this is likely to have been in common use by the time of the text. One example of
this is adhi-sth: v.16, 74,82 etc., used in the sense of bless, as found in Edgerton139 under
adhitiOPhati. Edgerton proposes to delete the meaning to bless, but that fits the senses employed
in PKS and is how it has been translated in the Tibetan. Another example is tathat: v.37, found
in Edgerton with the sense of true nature. However, in both cases, their grammatical usage is fully
classical.
The most commonly used verb form in the text is the third person singular optative. Some
translators render this into English with a second person imperative: Do this . . ., but in the
attached translation, the English forms one ought to do . . ., one should do . . ., one must
do . . . are used. This is, after all, how optatives are formed in English and the use of the
impersonal pronoun one reinforces the optative sense. This does produce old fashioned
sounding English, but as it is the direct analog of the Sanskrit grammatical forms and is perfectly
proper English, it has been used throughout. There are occasional second and third person
49
imperatives used in the PKS, found in verses quoted from the GST. These are generally translated
as direct instructions or strong requests to the deities.
The Tibetan text, translated by Rin-chen bZang-po as part of his major translation activities,
has a uniformity of vocabulary and shows no grammatical peculiarities, in common with most of
his other works. The optative verb forms are rendered into the Tibetan future tense, sometime also
with the addition of bya, the future of the auxiliary verb byed.
There seem to be two cases of corruption or interpolation of material.
In the Tibetan text, it appears as if in verse 2, don bsdu rtogs pa re bye bai phyir, which
matches the Sanskrit OaP-koPi-artha-ava-bodhata`, because of the understanding of the six crores
of meanings . . . has become corrupted to don bsdu rtogs par bya ba'i phyir in P2661 and to
mdor bsdus rtogs par bya ba'i phyir in T1796.
In the Sanskrit text and Tibetan texts, v.202 seems to be an insertion as its subject has no
relationship to the surrounding verses. PKS vv.200-201 represent an incomplete quotation,
matching GST 3.12-13. Replacing v.202 with a quotation of GST 3.14 would remove this
anomalous verse and complete the quotation.
50
5.
Pacakrama
As described earlier, the PKS occurs as a separate work in the Tengyur. However, there are
several indications that it once formed a single text, being combined with the Pacakrama140. Both
Mimaki et al.141 and Wedemeyer142 explain that although the Pacakrama does describe Five
Stages (krama), one of these, the second, looks to be an interpolation. It has its own separate title,
Anuttarasa^dhi and a colophon naming kyamitra as the author. Wedermeyer also notes that
whenever ryadeva quotes from this section in the Carymelpaka-pradpa, he uses this title. Both
propose that the original Five Stages were the PKS itself as the first with the four remaining
sections of the PK: one, and three to five. The alternative title of the PKS, having Piikrama
rather than Piikta also supports this idea.
In the facsimile edition of the Pacakrama143, all three of the largely extant versions: A, B and
E include material from the PKS and the PK. Versions A and B include the end of the PKS and the
start of the PK. It can be seen that the end of the PKS is treated by the scribes no differently from
the end of PK section one, for example144.
51
52
53
the GST154.
54
6.
Conclusion
The PKS was most likely set down during the period 800-950CE. Just as the GST itself is one
of the earliest Highest Yoga Tantras, the PKS is similarly one of the earliest Higher Yoga Tantra
sdhanas. Although being based on the contents of the GTS, the sdhana shows many features in
common with such Yoga Tantras as the SDPS and other Yoga Tantra sdhana forms as outlined by
Skorupski. Attributed to Ngrjuna and originally being part of a single text with the PK, the PKS
took on a separate existence as the ritual practice manual of the Generation stage of the
Guhyasamja Tantra. Originally showing a Yogcra philosophical foundation, the Tibetan
translators and commentators subtly amended this to give it a more Madhyamaka flavour. After
the addition of further praises and the filling out of the ritual details by Tsong-kha-pa, the
sdhana continues today, embodied in the text of the Long Guhyasamja Sdhana according to the
oral tradition of Ganden Jangtse Monastic College159.
55
The first four yogas are discussed in the comments on PKS vv.51-69. The sdhana stages are
discussed in the comments to v.93. Designations not found in the PKS itself, but only in
commentaries, are placed in brackets. The equivalent verses from the sdhana by Tsong-kha-pa160
are also listed.
PKS
Yoga stage
Verses
Sdhana stage
1-50
numbers
1a-12b
12b
51
(upasdhana)
subsequent yoga
near
accomplishment
T5303 page
12b-14a
52-68
higher yoga
mahyoga - sbyor ba chen po
69-92
(sdhana)
accomplishment
mahsdhana
93-106
14a-16a
great
accomplishment
(vijayamaalayoga
- dkyil 'khor rgyal
mchog gi rnal 'byor)
107-197
16a-20a
198-217
20a pp.
victorious maala
yoga
skOmayoga -
(karmavijayayoga - )
victorious activities
yoga
phra mo)
subtle yoga
56
29
30
31
Location
Central
East
South
West
North
South-east
South-west
North-west
North-east
South-eastern intermediate
Deity
Vajra-being (AkOobhya)
Vairocana
Ratnasambhava
Amitbha
Amoghasiddhi
Moharat (Locan)
DveOarat (Mmak)
Rgarat (Paravsin)
Vajrarat (Tr)
Rpavajr
South-western intermediate
abdavajr,
North-western intermediate
North-eastern intermediate
Central, in union with AkOobhya
Gandhavajr
Rasavajr,
Sparavajr
Eastern edge
Southern edge
Western edge
32
Northern edge
33
34
35
Eastern doorway
Southern doorway
Western doorway
Northern doorway
South-eastern corner
South-western corner
North-western corner
North-eastern corner
Below
Above
57
B.2.
Verses
56
57
58
59
Location
Crown
Mouth
Heart-centre
Navel
Deity
Vairocana
Amitbha
AkOobhya
Ratnasambhava
Syllable
o^
`
h^
sv
Colour
white
red
lapis lazuli
yellow
60
Both feet
Amoghasiddhi
green
Moharat (Locan)
solidity
fluidity
warmth
airiness
thl^
o^
o^
o^
h^
61
62
63
Place of earth
element
Place of water
element
Place of fire
element
Place of air
element
Eyes
Ears
Nose
Tongue
Heart
64
Whole body
65
66
67
68
Head
All the joints
(of the body)
Right hand
Left hand
Mouth
Vajra
Right
side/shoulder
Left
side/shoulder
Right knee
Left knee
Top of head
Bottom of feet
Nature
form aggregate
discrimination aggregate
consciousness aggregate
feeling aggregate
compositional factors
aggregate
DveOarat
(Mmak)
Rgarat
(Paravsin)
Vajrarat
(Tr)
KOitigarbha
Vajrapi.
Khagarbha
Lokevara.
MajughoOa
[i.e. Majur]
SarvanvaraaviOkambin
Maitreya
o^
mai^
Samantabhadra
sa^
Yamntaka
Aparjita
Hayagrva
Amtakuali
Acala
Takkirja
Nlandaa
Mahbala
Sumbharja
UOOacakravart
58
B.3.
Verse
Aggregate
Element
Sense faculty
Sense object
39
Form
(Vairocana)
Earth
(Locan)
Eye
(KOitigarbha)
Visible form
(Rpavajr)
40
Feeling
(Ratnasambhava)
Water
(Mmak)
Ear
(Vajrapi)
Sound
(abdavajr)
41
Discrimination
(Amitbha)
Fire
(Paravsin)
Nose
(Khagarbha)
Smell
(Gandhavajr)
42
Compositional
factors
(Amoghasiddhi)
Wind
(Tr)
Tongue
(Lokevara)
Taste
(Rasavajr)
Awarenesses or
wisdoms and
associated deities
Mirror-like
awareness
dara-jna
(Maitreya,)
Awareness of
equanimity
samat-jna
Discriminatory
awareness
pratyavekOaajna
Awareness of
accomplishment
ktya-anuOPhnajna
(Samantabhadra)
Additional
deities (from
commentaries)
Yamntaka
Acala
Aparjita
Takkirja
Hayagrva,
Nlandaa
Amtakuali
Mahbala
also
Sarvanvaraa
-viOkambin
and
Sparavajr
UOOacakravart, Sumbharja, Majur and AkOobhya are dissolved individually, in sequence after the groups above.
59
B.4.
Verses
95
96
96-97
97
98
99
100
101
Syllable
o^
`
h^
sv
h
-
Location
Crown
Mouth
Heart-centre
Navel
Both feet
Place of earth element
(water element)
(fire element)
(air element)
Union with Rpavajr
Union with abdavajr,
Union with Gandhavajr
Union with Rasavajr
Right hand
Left hand
Mouth
Secret place
Right shoulder
Left shoulder
Vivapadm
Vivakarm
Akaavajri
Earth-bearing Goddess
Right knee
Left knee
Top of head
Bottom of feet
60
B.5.
Verses
108-114
116-119
Jinajik
Deity
AkOobhya
Vairocana
Crown-deity
AkOobhya
AkOobhya
Body
colour
lapis
lazuli
white
119-122
Ratnadhk
Ratnasambhava
AkOobhya
(yellow)
123-126
rolik
Amitbha
AkOobhya
red
127-130
Prajdhk
Amoghasiddhi
AkOobhya
green
Face colours
Right hand
Left hand
Activity
d. blue
vajra
bell
wheel
jewel
lotus
wheel
vajra
white lotus
jewel
vajra
wheel
red lotus
vajra
wheel
sword
bell
jewel
sword
bell
yellow lotus
sword.
bell
jewel
sword
green
sword
bell
crossed vajra
green lotus
white
wheel
jewel
61
Location
Cent.
Purifying those
abiding in a state
of pride
Purifying those
with desire
Purifying those
with wrong
speech
Verses
131-134
135-138
139-142
143-146
Source
mantra
Moharat
DveOarat
Rgarat
Vajrarat
Deity
Locan
Mmak
Paravsin
Tr
Crown-deity
Vairocana
AkOobhya
Amitbha
Amoghasiddhi
Body
colour
white
d. blue
red
Face colours
Right hand
Left hand
Activity
Location
white
wheel
bell
red (t:black)
vajra
jewel
SE
white lotus
sword
Provides relief
from the demons
and sicknesses of
the world
vajra
bell
red (t:white)
wheel
jewel
SW
purple lotus
sword
Provides
protection for
those afflicted by
the terrifying
great obstructing
ones
red
red lotus
bell
vajra
jewel
NW
white
wheel
sword
Provides relief to
those in great
distress
green
d. blue (t: black)
crossed vajra
wheel
bell
jewel
Subduing all
beings
NE
white
dark lotus
(t: white
lotus)
green
62
sword
Verses
Source
mantra
Deity
Crown-deity
Body
colour
Face colours
Right hand
Left hand
Activity
Location
SE
intermediate
SW
intermediate
NW
intermediate
NE
intermediate
mirror
147-148
Rpavajr
Vairocana
white
148-149
abdavajr
Ratnasambhava
yellow
150-151
Gandhavajr
Amitbha
red
151-152
Rasavajr
Amoghasiddhi
green
153
Sparavajr
mai^
thl^
o^
o^
o^
Maitreya
KOitigarbha
Vajrapi.
Khagarbha
Lokevara
MajughoOa
[i.e. Majur]
SarvanvaraaviOkambin
Samantabhadra
154
155
156
156-157
h^
o^
sa^
(vajra)
(jewel)
(white lotus)
(sword)
lute
(wheel
(jewel)
(purple lotus)
(sword)
conch
(vajra)
(jewel )
(wheel)
(sword)
vessel of flavours
(wheel
(jewel )
(dark lotus)
(sword)
Cent.
in union
E edge
E edge
S edge
S edge
W edge
W edge
N edge
N edge
. . . these (all have) the same crowns, colours and so forth as their Lords . . .
and with hands and weapons like their respective lords and
Maitreya alone holds a Cobra's saffron tree flower in the right hand.
63
Verses
160-162
Source
mantra
Yamntakt
Deity
Yamntaka
Crown-deity
Vairocana
Body
colour
Face colours
Right hand
Left hand
Activity
staff
wheel
(t:vajra)
vajra
(t:wheel)
vajra
staff
sword
lotus
sword
noose
Terrifying the
great
obstructing
ones such as
Indra
Terrifying the
obstructing
ones
Producing
extreme fear
in the
obstructing
ones
red (t:white)
white (t: red)
163-166
Prajntakt
Aparjita
Ratnasambhava
white
167-170
Padmntakt
Hayagrva
Amitbha
171-174
Vighnntakt
Amtakuali
Amoghasiddhi
blue
white
d. blue (t: black)
red
red
d. blue (t: black)
bell
axe
noose
bell
axe
bell
axe
white
mace
(t:pestle)
noose
blue
vajra
noose
red
wheel
bell
white
mace
(t:pestle)
axe
64
Producing
extreme fear
in the
obstructing
ones
Location
E doorway
S doorway
W doorway
N doorway
Verses
175-178
179-181
Source
mantra
Acala
Takkirja
Deity
Acala
Takkirja
Crown-deity
Vairocana
Ratnasambhava
Body
colour
-
Face colours
Right hand
sword
red
white
d. blue (t: black)
red
white
182-185
Nlandaa
blue
Nlandaa
Amitbha
red (t:white)
white (t: red)
d. blue (t: black)
185-189
Mahbala
Mahbala
Amoghasiddhi
189-192
UOOacakravart
UOOacakravart
AkOobhya
blue
193-197
Sumbharja
Sumbharja
AkOobhya
red
white
d. blue (t: black)
red
white
d. blue
(t: black)
red
white
65
Left hand
threatening
gesture
vajra
axe
wheel
noose
vajra gesture
vajra
noose
elephant
sword
goad
threatening
staff
gesture
sword
lotus
wheel
axe
threatening
staff
gesture
sword
lotus
wheel
axe
uOOa (gesture)
threatening
vajra
gesture
lotus
sword
threatening
vajra
gesture
wheel
lotus
jewel
sword
Activity
Location
Destroying the
obstructing
ones who
cause diseases
SE corner
Destroying the
obstructing
ones
SW corner
Overcoming
dreadful
calamity
NW corner
Vanquishing
the dreadful
kins
NE corner
Overcoming
all calamities
Below
Pacifying all
obstacles and
destroying all
the moving
and unmoving
poisons
Above
66
Plan view
(Vertical surfaces)
(Horizontal surfaces)
pakOa
stambha
rajas
ratna
kapola
hrrdhahra
niryha
bakul
kramarOa
67
Original Image
Figure 4. Toraa as illustrated by the model maala in Gyud Mey Tantric College165
68
166 Vira and Chandra 1961: vol. 12, fig. 2 (loosleaf), reproduced with permission: (c) British Library Board (W 2758).
69
70
71
72
1
trailokycramukta^ gaganasamagata^
sarvabhvasvabhva^ uddha^
nta^ vivikta^ paramaivamaya^ yoginm eva gamyam||
168 P2661: piN+Da dhi kri ta sA dha na; P4788: piN dhI kra ma sA dha naM
169 P4788: bsdus pa'i rim pa'i bsgub thabs
73
2 rmatsamjatantrasya OaPkoPyarthvabodhata`
pikramam aha^ vakOye sarvasattvahitodayam|
3 vikalpavsandoOn jagattrayavimohakn
samabhivkOya tn dhmn yogatantrea odhayet|
4 paca kmn parityajya tapobhir na ca payet
sukhena dhrayed bodhi^ yogatantrnusrata`|
5 teneha sa^varastho 'yam abhedas tu sad vrat
74
o^ Harm! Kill! h^
Seize! Seize! h^
Seize and hold! Seize and hold! h^
Move! ho, O Blessed one, O Lord of knowledge,
h^ phaP
75
76
77
catu`strasamyukta^ aOPastambhopaobhitam|
25 hrrdhahraracita^ maivajrrdhacandrakam
khacita^vajraratnais tu dvraniryhasa^dhiOu|
78
79
80
81
o^ nyatjnavajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
paramrthasatyanmpi sarvatathgatlaya`|
46 prabhsvarapraviOPasya vyutthna^ ca pradaryate
mantramrtaprayogea devatlambana^ prati|
82
o^ dharmadhtusvabhvtmako'ham|
83
84
85
86
87
o^ sarvatathgatakyavajrasvabhvtmako'ha^|
88
o^ sarvatathgatavgvajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
89
o^ sarvatathgatacittavajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
233 as Tib. Skt: make mine now a state of blessing: one having the mind-vajra
234 GST 12.75
235 GST 12.76
236 i.e. my mind
90
o^ sarvatathgatakyavkcittavajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
91
92
pdntadvayavinyast dhara^dharadevatm|
102 eva^ sa^sktya t^ yog vajrapadmam athrabhet
mantr h^kraja^ vajra^ dhyyd vai pacascikam|
103 madhyascau tath tasya praava^ ca vibhvayet
tathaivOPadala^ padmam `krea [7 B] tu bhvayet|
104 pacaramisamkra^ tata` sdhanam rabhet|
o^ sarvatathgatnurgaavajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
93
o^ sarvatathgatapjvajrasvabhvtmako'ham|
94
95
araccandr^usa^ka^ jaPmukuPamaitam|
96
97
98
topknot
and should visualize (him) with a green,
a dark blue273 and a white face, radiant with light
rays, with six arms: a sword, crossed vajra and wheel
in the right ones
and a bell, green lotus and jewel in the left ones.
After completely purifying (those) beings with
wrong speech274, he returns275
277 Tib: seeing in (all) ten directions those in fearful suffering from demons and sicknesses, (her) great compassion brings them peace
278 lit.. eastern-corner
279 Tib: with a black, a white and a red face
280 Tib: a wheel and vajra as before [i.e. a vajra and wheel, as in all the previous occurrences]
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
Tib: pestle
106
107
with326,
a big pot-belly and (showing) great power.
One should hold in the right hands a sword, vajra and
wheel and in the left ones a threatening gesture, axe
and noose.
After destroying the obstructing ones who cause
diseases and with left leg extended, after mounting a
lotus and sun(-disc seat), he dwells in the southeastern quarter327.
Arisen from his own mantra, the devotee should send
forth Rakkirja, heroic328 and bright as sapphire,
crowned with Ratnasambhava,
with a dark blue329, a red and a white face, a big potbelly and having a terrifying appearance330, with two
hands in
the vajra-gesture of making a h^ syllable,
and a vajra and sword in the (other) two right ones, a
noose and elephant goad on the left. (After)
destroying the obstructing ones331, with left leg
extended, he dwells on a sun(-disc seat) in the southwest332.
9a
|rang gi sngags kyis bskyed pa yi|
|brtul zhugs can gyis dbyug sngon bskyed|
|spyan gsum sprin sngon lta bu ste|
|'od dpag med pa'i dbu rgyan can|
|zhal ni sngo dang dkar dang dmar|
|gsus khyim che shing 'jigs par mdzad|
|dbyug pa ral gri 'khor lo ni|
|g.yas kyi phyag na bsnams par mdzad|
|snying gar sdigs mdzub zhags pa dang|
|dgra sta rnams ni g.yon na bsnams|
|yams kyi 'jigs pa bsal nas ni|
|gtum po g.yon brkyang gnas pa yis|
|pad+ma nyi ma la gnas te|
|nub byang mtshams su bzhugs par gyur|
|rang gi sngags kyis bskyed pa yi|
|rnga sgra yis ni dbu rgyan can|
|stobs po che ni sngags pas dbyung|
|ut+pala sngon po'i mdog 'dra ba|
|zhal ni gnag dang dmar dang dkar|
|spyan gsum 'jigs pa'i sgra dang ldan|
|yan lag thams cad sbrul gyis brgyan|
|gsus khyim che shing 'jigs par byed|
108
109
9b
|zhal ni gnag dang dmar dang dkar|
|gsus khyim che zhing 'jigs pa'i zhal|
|mi bskyod pas ni dbu rgyan byas|
|rdo rje 'khor lo rin chen ni|
|g.yas pa'i phyag na 'dzin par mdzad|
|snying gar sdigs mdzub zhags pa dang|
|pad+ma ral gri g.yon na bsnams|
|rgyu ba dang ni gnas pa'i dug|
|ka la ku ta sogs kun dang|
|bgegs kyi bdag po kun bcom ste|
|thams cad zhi bar mdzad nas ni|
|ma lus bka' ni rdzogs byas la|
|g.yon brkyang ba yi gnas pa yis|
|pad+ma nyi ma la gnas te|
|sa yi 'og tu de bzhugs so|
|lha ni sum cu gnyis rang bzhin|
|dkyil 'khor thams cad bskyed nas ni|
|'khor lo'i dbus su gnas gyur na|
|de nas phra mo'i rnal 'byor brtsam|
|sna yi rtse mor yungs kar bsam|
|'gro dang mi 'gro yungs kar la|
|gsang ba'i sngags kyis brtags pa yi|
|ye shes mchog gi gnas bsgom mo|
110
346 Tib: the abode of the highest wisdom, determined through secret mantra
347 GST 6.9
348 GST 3.12, omitted by Tripathi
349 GST 3.13
350 GST 7.4 this verse seems oddly out of context, even though it is present in both the Sanskrit and Tibetan versions. The pattern of verses suggests this should either be GST 3.14 or 13.14. 13.14 seems
unlikely as it offers an alternative to what it proposes in 13.12. On the other hand, 3.14 concludes what was begun in 3.13. See Fremantle 1971: 73 & 38.
351 GST 3.14
111
352 Tib: it is explained as the reciting of the highest purpose of all the Buddhas
353 GST 13.15 (part). This may be a quotation from an explanatory tantra as it does not match completely. GST has jnomlitacakOuOm for japokta^ paramrthata
354 Skt: lit. vajra-being; Tib: vajra-mind
355 Tib: O Lord, if you agree to (my) living today, great father of beings, best of kinsmen, delight in me
356 GST 17.72
357 Tib: helper of all beings
112
358 Tib: O Lord, if you agree to (my) living today, O committment of passion, through (your) passion, delight in me
359 hyp: m^ (to match the other three verses, as does Tib.) Both dVP. and Trp. give mama
360 GST 17.73
361 Tib: O Lord, if you agree to (my) living today, (you) engaging in perfect (activities), (you of) perfect goodness, delight in me
362 dVP: ntha`
363 GST 17.74
364 Ngrjuna P4788 11a2: dod pa which matches Tib. GST 17.75
365 Tib: best of the lineage of completely perfect Buddhas, perceiving (all) as the same, O Lord, if you agree to (my) living today, delight in me who is become a treasury of many excellent jewels.
366 dVP: bahuratnabhtm
367 GST 17.75
113
368 Skt: lit. One should pay homage to you; Tib: I pay homage
369 GST 17.1
370 Tib. only
371 lit. one who shows the way
372 GST 17.2
373 i.e. Ratnasambhava
374 Skt. only
375 Tib: secret speech
376 GST 17.3
377 i.e. Amitbha
378 GST 17.4
114
115
116
117
230 rvajramlvaramanthanena
gha^ samjmbunidhi^ mathitv
yat sdhanXgmtam pi tena
loka` samasto 'maratm upaitu|
pikramasdhana^ samptam||
ktir cryarngrjunapdnm||
118
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119
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124