T2426 Shingon Texts

Texts by Kakuban

Translator's Introduction

This Introduction first discusses The Mitsugonin Confession, composed circa 1136 C.E., followed by a doctrinal analysis of The Illuminating Secret Commentary on the Five Cakras and the Nine Syllables, composed around 1142 C.E. The first commentary gives biographical data on Kakuban (1095-1143), the author of both these texts, and puts into historical perspective the origin and content of the Mitsugonin Confession. The Illuminating Secret Commentary on the Five Cakras and the Nine Syllables is a pivotal work of Kakuban. It was written at the end of his life, and presents the culmination of his religious views, teachings, and practices. The Mitsugonin Confession

This introduction gives a brief biography of Kakuban and discusses the circumstances surrounding the composition of the Mitsugonin text on the confession and repentance of transgressions. Kakuban, ex post facto founder of the Shingi ("New Doctrine")-Shingon school, was born in Hizen no kuni (present-day Saga and Nagasaki prefectures), Kyushu. His infant name was Yachi Tosemaro and he was the third of four children. His mother was a Tachibana and his father, Isano Heiji Kanemoto, is said to have been a local manor administrator. When his father died, Kakuban, then thirteen years old, took the tonsure along with his three brothers and mother.

He became the disciple of Kanjo of the Jojuin. This temple belonged to the Ninnaji, the temple that had dominion over the territory of Kakuban's birth. In 1108 Kakuban traveled to the Kofukuji; there he studied the Abhidharmakosa and Yogacara philosophy with 241

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Tokugyo for three years. In 1110 he returned to the Jojuin and was ordained by his teacher, Kanjo, taking the name Shogakubo Kakuban. (Shogakubo means "the lineage of the perfectly enlightened" and Kakuban means "the enlightened vam,"- "ban" is a transliteration of the Sanskrit syllable vam, the seed-syllable of Mahavairocana in the Vajradhatu Mandala). Kakuban then returned to Nara and for the next two years studied Madhyamika philosophy with Kakuju of the Todaiji as well as Yogacara philosophy and Avatamsaka doctrine. At the age of eighteen, in 1112, Kakuban undertook the prayoga practice of the eighteen rites (juhachido kegyo) under Kanjo's guidance. At this time Kanjo became the chief abbot of the Toji (the administrative headquarters of the Shingon sect) and received the support of Emperor Toba (r. 1107-1123).

At age twenty Kakuban for the first time went to Mount Koya (Koyasan), the center of Shingon Buddhism. There he encountered Shoren, who was a besshosei, i.e., a member of a hijiri group on Koyasan that jointly practiced Esoteric Buddhism and the nembutsu. By the middle of the Heian period nembutsu practice had greatly influenced Koyasan and three groups had emerged there: the gyonin (ascetics), the hijiri (itinerant lay practitioners), and the gakuryo gata (scholars). The gyonin took charge of esoteric rituals and the ascetic mountain practice. The hijiri fostered the Pure Land faith, managed the disposal of the ashes of the dead, and they also wandered throughout the country popularizing Koyasan. The gakuryo gata specialized in Shingon doctrinal studies.

Kakuban first stayed in Shoren's quarters and in the following year went to live with another hijiri named Myojaku. For the next eight years Kakuban lived on Koyasan. He learned the gumonji practice from Myojaku and practiced it himself eight times. Typically this practice involves chanting the mantra of the bodhisattva Akasagarbha one million times over a period of one hundred days. The practice is based on the Kokuzogumonjinoho (T. 20, No. 1145) translated by Subhakarasimha. This work is thought to have been introduced into Japan by the Japanese monk Doji (d. 744 C.E.) of the Daianji in Nara, and the recitation practice was probably transmitted to Kukai 242

Translator's Introduction

by Gonzo. Like Kukai, Kakuban undertook this practice many times during his short life. This practice is still orally transmitted today. Later, at the age of nineteen, Kakuban also received initiations into the Vajradhatu and Garbhadhatu Mandalas. In 1121, Kakuban left Koyasan and received the deary initiation (denbo kanjo) of the Hirosawa branch of Shingon Buddhism from his master Kanjo at the Jojuin. He also later received Ono branch initiations from Gengaku of the Daigoji.

At thirty-two Kakuban planned to establish on Koyasan the Denboin as a place to revive the Shingon school. He hoped to accomplish the following: 1) unite the Ono and Hirosawa branches of the Shingon school, which had developed after Kukai's death; 2) reemphasize the joint cultivation of study and practice (perhaps to counter the gakuryo gata, who tended to emphasize study at the expense of practice); and 3) assimilate the burgeoning Pure Land faith within the Shingon school by arguing that Amida was just another aspect of Mahavairocana. He also planned to start up again the denboe, a special gathering of monks for the study of Shingon doctrine thought to have originated with Kukai at the Takaosanji. By emphasizing the nembutsu practice during an age when the theory of mappo was prevalent he also sought to appeal to the needs of the populace and gain their economic support. Not until 1130, however, did Kakuban receive sufficient support from the former emperor Toba (who had supported Kakuban's teacher Kanjo) to complete construction of the Denboin (also called the Shodenboin). Thirty-six scholar-monks took up residence there. From this time he also gained the support of the farmers around Mount Negoro.

Kakuban also built the Mitsugonin on Koyasan as a nembutsu hall, and the Daidenboin. The latter was later moved to the site of the Hofukuji, built in 1087, on Mount Negoro after Kakuban's death. Hofukuji and its manors had been donated to Kakuban by the former emperor Toba in 1132. According to a government tally in 1134, these two temples were officially recognized as prayer temples for the imperial family. Kakuban assumed the post of chief abbot of he Daidenboin and both temples became centers for Shingon studies. One hundred and 243

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sixty-one monks were in residence at the Daidenboin and thirty-seven (fifteen of whom were hijiri) resided at the Mitsugonin. Opposition to Kakuban from the Kongobuji on Koyasan spread when Toba donated seven manors for the functioning of akuban's denboe, of hich two had originally belonged to Koyasan. This act incensed the Kongobuji group, who had thereby lost economic support. They were opposed to Kakuban's association with the hijiri and his newfound status as head of he Daidenboin, especially as he was an outsider with ties to the former emperor. In the sixth month of 1134 they issued a declaration denouncing the activities of the Daidenboin, which, they argued, usurped the privileges of the Kongobuji and politically divided the management of Koyasan. The party to this statement, which was signed by two hundred and six monks, was headed by Ryozen. In the twelfth month of 1134, Jokai of the Daigoji, who as head of the Toji was also chief abbot of the Kongobuji through an imperial declaration, resigned his post. The chief abbot of the Daidenboin— Kakuban—was then declared head of the Kongobuji. Although the petition of the Kongobuji group had failed, there was continuing opposition to Kakuban's appointment, which was correctly interpreted as a sign that he was planning to make Koyasan independent from the management of the Toji. Kakuban resigned both posts in the second month of 1135 and retired to the Mitsugonin. The posts were transferred to Shinyo. The post of administrator of the Kongobuji was taken from Ryozen and given to Kakuban's disciple Shine. Due to opposition from the Kongobuji and Toji parties, however, in 1136 the former emperor Toba dismissed Shine.

In 1136 the Kongobuji leaders were plotting to have Kakuban murdered. Kakuban began a one thousand-day gumonji practice in the Mitsugonin, and it was around this time that he composed the Mitsugonin Hotsuro Sangemon (The Mitsugonin Confession), a verse text in forty-four stanzas with seven characters in each. Upon entering the gumonji practice, Kakuban issued five stipulations to his followers, including an exhortation to protect the meditation hall where he was performing the practice. (There is also extant a written oath by Minamoto no Tameyoshi, dated 1140, to protect the 244

Translator's Introduction

Denboin.) During Kakuban's self-imposed internment, relations between the Mitsugonin and the Kongobuji steadily worsened. In the twelth month of 1140, the Kongobuji dispatched warriors who attacked and destroyed both the Mitsugonin and the Denboin. It is not known whether or not Tameyoshi's troops actually intervened to protect Kakuban, but Kakuban and his followers managed to escape to Mount Negoro. Shortly thereafter, in 1143, Kakuban died there. Later some seven hundred monks of the Denboin took up residence at Mount Negoro and founded the Shingi-Shingon school, which later split into the Chizan and Buzan branches. This school differed from the Kogi ("Old Doctrine") Shingon school in advocating kaji seppo (preaching of he Dharma by manifestations of ahavairocana) instead of hosshin seppo (direct preaching of the Dharma by Mahavairocana). Kakuban was posthumously named Kogyo Daishi ("Great Master Who Revived the Teachings") in 1690 by Emperor Higashiyama. The rituals of the Shingi-Shingon school are called the denboinryu. Today the brief Mitsugonin Confession is recited in the daily services of Shingi-Shingon temples throughout Japan. Self-explanatory and filled with a deeply felt sense of contrition, this work is considered especially poignant since it is thought to reflect the actual conditions of monastic life on Koyasan during Kakuban's lifetime. The Illuminating Secret Commentary

Historically this commentary by Kakuban is important for several reasons. First, it is a work assimilating the Shingon and Pure Land schools from the standpoint of the Shingon teachings established by Kukai. It reflects how strong the influence of the Pure Land faith was in Kakuban's day, and as well Kakuban's own understanding of the Pure Land faith. In the introduction of this commentary Amitabha, representing discriminative wisdom, appears as the sambhogakaya of the dharmakaya Mahavairocana, and Kakuban argues this is the same in essence as the latter. Likewise, the Western Paradise is the same as the palace of Mahavairocana, i.e., the Vajradhatu and Garbhadhatu Mandalas. Second, Kakuban explains in clear outline what practices he taught lead to Buddhahood in the present 245

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body. These clearly combine Pure Land and Shingon practices and are based on those already transmitted by Kukai. For example, the important visualization of the eight AriA-syllable mandala (hrih is the seed-syllable of Avalokitesvara and Amitabha) at the end of Chapter II can be traced to Kukai's Sahoshidai (also called Amidashidai or Muryojushidai, in the Teihon Kobo Daishi zenshu). It is significant that Kakuban argues that attaining enlightenment in one's present body through esoteric practices is the same ultimately as being born in the Western Paradise through chanting Amitabha's name. Kakuban claims in this work that he has in fact already attained enlightenment and birth in the Western Paradise, and his sole purpose in writing this commentary is to indicate how others can too.

The five cakras in the title refer to those of the head, face, chest, stomach, and lower limbs of theyogin's body, correlated with the Five Buddhas, five wisdoms, etc. The nine syllables refer to the nine-syllable mantra of Amitabha: Om a mr ta te je ha ra hum. By chanting this mantra, Kakuban argues, enlightenment can be attained in one s present body—an enlightenment represented by the five cakras. Kakuban argues the person in the flesh can attain Buddhahood through purification and various practices.

Third, this work is an extraordinary example of the assimilation of Chinese Taoist teachings and Shingon teachings on the constitution of a human being. The five Chinese elements, five internal organs, five Chinese gods, planets, and so on are correlated with the five Buddhist wisdoms, five Shingon elements (excluding the sixth, consciousness), etc. Such correlations are typical of Tantric writings. Different orders of reality are ultimately always interrelated. Finally, this work is well known for its brief mention of a fifth dharmakaya, the dharmadhatukaya. This doctrine too can be traced to Kukai's writings and also to other sutras Kakuban quotes. (See, for example, the end of Kukai's Hizohoyaku [The Precious Key to the Secret Treasury, pp. 133-215 in this volume], where he writes that the dharmakaya Mahavairocana resides in his palace accompanied by his four companions the four dharmakayas.)

2 4 6

Translator's Introduction

In the collophon to this work Kakuban describes how a vision of his teacher Kyojin appeared to him after he finished writing the commentary. Kyojin died in 1141. As Kakuban died in 1143, this work probably was composed late in Kakuban's life and thus reflects his mature thought.

Kakuban divides the commentary into an introduction and the following ten chapters:

Chapter I. Selecting the Teaching in Which the Provisional and Absolute Have the Same Meaning. In this section Kakuban discusses ten stages in the development of the mind. His commentary is clearly based on Kukai's Benkenmitsunikyoron (On the Differences between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings, pp. 15-61 in this volume), Jujushinron (Ten Stages in the Development of the Mind, T. 79, No. 2425) and the aforementioned Hizohoyaku. Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism also are contrasted in numerous ways. Chapter II. Correctly Entering the Esoteric Shingon Teaching. This is the longest chapter in the commentary and involves a detailed explanation of the five cakras and nine syllables. Kakuban divides this section into two parts. The first part on the brief interpretation of the meaning of the syllables is further divided into two sections: 1) a section on the meaning of the mantra letters ah vi ra hum kham— a mantra of Mahavairocana in the Garbhadhatu Mandala. These five syllables are correlated with five elements, Five Buddhas, five organs, etc. (pp. 272-92); 2) a section on the nine-syllable mantra given above (pp. 292-301). The second part on the allencompassing dharmadhatu dharmakdya (pp. 301-4) is divided into a section on Kakuban's dharmakdya theory and an esoteric practice. The latter involves visualizing a mandala of Avalokitesvara who is clearly equated with Mahavairocana. The offering Vajrasattvas found in the Vajradhatu Mandala are found in the outer courts surrounding Avalokitesvara.

Kakuban quotes Subhakarasimha as saying the repetition of the mantra ah vi ra hum kham leads to innumerable virtues. Kakuban claims it leads to enlightenment. These five syllables are correlated with the fundamental five elements of the Shingon school (excluding 247

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the sixth, consciousness); the Five Buddhas (Mahavairocana, Aksobhya Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi respectively); the five colors yellow, white, red, black, and blue; five organs (liver, lungs heart, kidneys, spleen); five Chinese elements (wood, metal, fire water, earth); and so on. The repetition of these five syllables is claimed to rid the above organs of disease and lead the yogin to enlightenment in the present body. Repetition of this mantra reveals the ten stages of the mind as well. Kakuban lists several traditions in this chapter: Subhakarasimha's tradition of correlating the five-syllable mantra of Mahavairocana in the Garbhadhatu Mandala (a, vi, ra, ha, kha); Amoghavajra's tradition of correlating the same (but he gives the syllables a, vi, ra ham, kham,)-, the correlations of the five seed-syllables of the Five Buddhas of the Garbhadhatu (a, a, am, ah, amh), etc. Kakuban discusses individually one mantra of Mahavairocana: a, vam, ram, ham, kham. He also explains the seed-syllables of the five wisdoms and Five Buddhas of the Vajradhatu (vam, hum, trah, hrih, and ah) in relationship to Chinese gods, specific internal organs, Buddhist deities, planets, colors, and so on. Chapter III. Obtaining Unequaled Virtues. Kakuban states that the three mysteries practiced only in the Shingon school lead to innumerable virtues.

Chapter IV Cultivated and Self-perfected Secret Practices. In this chapter Kakuban specifies the virtues obtained through the practice of the three mysteries.

Chapter V Briefly Cultivating One Practice and Perfecting Many [Practices]. Kakuban briefly argues that the practice of chanting just one mantra, forming just one mudra, and practicing one samadhi does not mean one cannot attain enlightenment now. Even though the Shingon school teaches numerous practices, one alone can be sufficient for reaching the Western Paradise. Chapter VI. Realizing the Three Highest of the Nine Stages of Birth in the Pure Land. Kakuban enjoins the practitioner to recite Amitabha's nine-syllable mantra so as to enter the Western Paradise in the present life and/or after death. He describes the direct causes for birth there and gives numerous examples of 248

The Mitsugonin Confession

Translator's Introduction

famous figures like Nagarjuna, Dharmapala, Chih-i, etc., who were born in the Pure Land.

Chapter VII. Understanding Demons and Their Pacification. Kakuban discusses four types of demons: the subjects of Mara, heretics, evil demons, and evil spirits. All, in general, obstruct the yogin in practices leading to enlightenment. To overcome these Kakuban advises their pacification through the recitation of dharanis. He exorts the reader to realize all demon worlds are only the dharmadhatu. Chapter VIII. Attaining Buddhahood and Practicing the Uncommon in the Present Body. Kakuban outlines four practices for attaining enlightenment in one's present body. He takes the stance that the practice of one mystery can lead to enlightenment because all three are interrelated. Through the mysterious empowerment gained through the practice of one mystery the benefits of the other two are achieved.

Chapter IX. The Differences of People Converted

According to Their Faculties. Kakuban says those converted to Shingon are generally of two types: Those who are born in the Pure Land in their present body and those born there after death. He further distinguishes between those endowed with great and small faculties, and of these between the keen-witted and the dull-witted. He gives a clear outline of the practices suited to each category of person. Kakuban lastly specifies what actions and attitudes prevent birth in the Pure Land.

Chapter X. Giving Questions and Answers and Resolving Doubts. Kakuban presents miscellaneous questions and answers. He reasserts his claim that chanting Amitabha's nine-syllable mantra or Mahavairocana's five-syllable mantra leads to birth in the Pure Land. He claims the practice of the three mysteries and realization of the dharmadhatu are hard to fathom and profound yet not beyond the reach of the exoteric Buddhist practitioner. He exhorts monks of the Esoteric Buddhist tradition: "Do not conceal yoga from the exoteric person. "

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THE MITSUGONIN CONFESSION by

Kakuban

The Mitsugonin Confession

We repent the transgressions we have committed from beginningless time, bound by illusions. We have unceasingly acted against the Dharma in acts of body, speech, and mind.

Doing wrong, we have committed countless evil deeds. Miserly with precious valuables, we have not practiced generosity (dana-paramita).

Willful in mind and self-indulgent, we have not observed the precepts (sila-paramita).

Frequently given to anger, we have lacked patience (.ksanti-paramita). Often lazy, we have not striven (vlrya-paramita).

With our minds and thoughts scattered, we have not practiced meditation (dhyana-paramita). With our backs to [true] reality, we have not endeavored to cultivate wisdom (prajna-paramita). In these ways, we have continually abandoned the practice of the six paramitas. We have, therefore, created karma that causes transmigration in the three realms of suffering (the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals).

We call ourselves bhiksus, but in effect we have defiled the temples. We appear to be sramanas, yet we have accepted gifts from lay followers.

The Vinaya vows we made are forgotten and broken, and the rules we should study have been abandoned and even detested.

We have felt no shame in desiring the things the Buddhas abhorred, and we have not hesitated to do that which the bodhisattvas struggled and suffered to avoid. 53c

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53b

The Mitsugonin Confession

We have passed the years aimlessly, being frivolous in our actions and speech, and we have spent the days flattering and deceiving others.

We have not heeded the words of good friends and we have been intimate with fools.

We have not devoted ourselves to cultivating good qualities and we have perpetuated bad actions.

Hoping to obtain benefits, we have lauded our own virtues. We have been envious of the virtuous deeds of others. Seeing ignoble persons, we have become arrogant. We have been covetous of the wealth and abundance of others. Hearing of those who are impoverished, we have been disinterested and felt abhorrence. Intentionally or inadvertantly, we have taken the lives of living beings. Openly or secretly, we have stolen others' valuables. Purposefully or not, we have committed impure deeds. We have continued to commit the four evil [acts] of speech (lying, duplicity, slander, and exaggeration) and the three evil [acts] of the mind (greed, anger, and ignorance).

Contemplating the Buddha, our minds have been disturbed by attachment [to the world], Reading the sutras, we have misunderstood the words.

When we have tried to cultivate good roots, we have tended to adhere to their [outer] form [only]. Thus we have produced the causes of continual rebirth in samsara. Aware or unaware, in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, we have committed countless transgressions such as these.

Now each of us deeply reflects upon and confesses our transgressions toward the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha).

Have compassion and pity on us so that these transgressions may be eliminated. We sincerely confess and fully repent our transgressions.

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The Mitsugonin Confession

On behalf of all living beings of the dharmadhatu who have transgressed in the perpetration of impure acts of body, speech, and mind,

We completely regret and fully repent these transgressions. May all beings be spared from suffering the adverse results of these impure actions.

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THE ILLUMINATING SECRET COMMENTARY ON THE FIVE CAKRAS AND THE NINE SYLLABLES

THE ILLUMINATING SECRET COMMENTARY ON THE FIVE CAKRAS AND THE NINE SYLLABLES Also called The Secret Meditation on Rapid Enlightenment and Birth in the Pure Land by

Kakuban

.

Contents

The Illuminating Secret Commentary on the Five Cakras and the Nine Syllables

Introduction 261

Chapter I. Selecting the Teaching in Which the Provisional and the Absolute Have the Same Meaning 263 Chapter II. Correctly Entering the Esoteric Shingon Teaching 269

Chapter III. Obtaining Unequaled Virtues Chapter IV. Cultivated and Self-perfected Secret Practices 305 307

Chapter V. Briefly Cultivating One Practice and Perfecting Many [Practices] 309 Chapter VI. Realizing the Three Highest of the Nine Stages of Birth in the Pure Land 311 Chapter VII. Understanding Demons and Their Pacification 315

Chapter VIII. Attaining Buddhahood and Practicing the Uncommon in the Present Body 319 Chapter IX. The Differences of People Converted According to Their Faculties 321 Chapter X. Giving Questions and Answers and Resolving Doubts 325

259

.

Introduction

Considered secretly, the fourteen mandalas (i.e., the five cakras and the nine syllables) are the inner realization of Lord Mahavairocana, the essence of the Bhagavat Amitabha, the universal gate of great enlightenment in the present life, and the One Vehicle of rebirth after death in the Pure Land. Why?

Those who for one moment see and hear [about a mandala] attain in this life a vision of the Buddha and hear the teaching. Those practicing one meditation and one recitation realize in the present body freedom from pain, and they experience happiness. How much more so if one is faithful and pure and practices zealously! This is to grasp in the palm of the hand the enlightenment and realization of the Tathagata Mahavairocana and to rely on chanting for birth in the Pure Land of Sugata Amitabha. This is the virtue of chanting. How much more is the virtue of contemplating reality!

In Exoteric Buddhism, Amitabha exists apart from Sakyamuni. In Esoteric Buddhism Mahavairocana is the Lord of Sukhavatl (i.e., Amitabha). One should know that the pure lands in the ten directions are all one Buddha land for conversion. All Tathagatas are all Mahavairocana. [Mahajvairocana and Amitabha have the same essence but different names. Sukhavati and the Land Adorned with Mysteries are different names for the same place. Through the supernatural power and virtue of discriminative wisdom (pratyaveksa-jnana), the form of Amitabha appears on the body of Mahavairocana. If one fully attains such a visualization, then above one, one surpasses all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and sages, and below one, down to the eight deities, the devas, dragons, demons, and so on, there is nothing that is not the body of the Tathagata Mahavairocana. In opening the gate of the five cakras one reveals the svabhavakaya (svabhava-dharmakaya). In erecting the gate of the nine syllables one indicates the sambhogakaya lib

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iiai3

Introduction

of bliss. One already knows that the two Buddhas are the same. How, in the end, could there be a difference between wise ones? [Amitabha's Land of] Tranquil Refreshment and the Tusita Heaven are the habitudes of the same Buddha. [The Land] Adorned with Mysteries and the Lotus treasury are the lotus dais of the undivided mind. How unfortunate that the ancient masters should quarrel about the difficulty or ease of attaining the Western Paradise. How fortunate that here and now I have attained birth in that paradise! Moreover, the meaning of giving this secret commentary lies in just this. The difficult realm of the Pure Land must be made discernible, nothing more!

Now, briefly, there are ten chapters in this Shingon commentary: 1) a chapter on selecting the teaching in which the provisional and the absolute have the same meaning; 2) a chapter on correctly entering the esoteric Shingon teaching; 3) a chapter on obtaining unequaled virtues; 4) a chapter on cultivated and selfperfected secret practices; 5) a chapter on the brief cultivation of one practice and the perfection of many; 6) a chapter on realizing the three highest of the nine stages of birth in the Pure Land; 7) a chapter on understanding the demons and their pacification; 8) a chapter on true practices, or attaining Buddhahood in the present body; 9) a chapter on the differences of people converted according to their faculties; and 10) a chapter on giving questions and answers and resolving doubts.

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Chapter I

Selecting the Teaching in Which

the Provisional and the Absolute

Have the Same Meaning

If one wants to enter this supreme esoteric nondual Mahayana and its practice, one must first generate a mind of profound insight (prajna). Then later one must cultivate the practice of the three mysteries (body, speech, and mind). If a man or woman of good family enters this teaching a little, then the eighty-four thousand troops of delusion are commanded as one and subdued. One hundred and sixty reckless rebels are led as followers and busy themselves doing what one tells them to do. The many mountains of the four or eight precepts (not to kill, steal, and so forth) rock with the wind. The numerous oceans of the three or five obstructions (of defilements, acts, retributions, and so forth) are destroyed by the waves. Based on this, the deeds and bonds of samsara are resolved in a moment. The causes of the sea of samsara and suffering are destroyed in an instant. In addition, the wild winds of the five types of vicissitudes (fundamental ignorance, birth, existence, old age, and death) are not exhausted but themselves cease. The causeless (animitta) enlightenment of the three families (Buddha, Lotus, and Vajra) is not sought but is immediately obtained. How could this not be wonderful and pleasant? Such profound ideas based on sutras and commentaries explain the meaning of this mind. Verses say,

Select the provisional and absolute mountain path of the Buddha vehicle.

To discard the inferior and seize the superior is called the excellent meaning.

Discern the places with shallow or deep seas of doctrine. Not promoting false tenets is called insight {prajna). 263

The Illuminating Secret Commentary

lie The svabhava-dharmakaya, Lord Vairocana, all the nirmanakdya Buddhas working for others, The marvelous and virtuous Vajrasattva, the ancient Buddhas, the bodhisattva Nagarjuna, and so on, These nirmanakaya Buddhas and bodhisattvas differentiate and expound the sutras and commentaries that have been explained.

If one wants quickly to realize Buddhahood, then one must practice on the basis of this mind.

Question: How many Buddhist paths are there? How many are provisional and how many are absolute? Which are shallow and which are profound?

[Answer:] Verses ("The Ten Minds") say, The strange goat fundamentally is absorbed in evil. The foolish child who fasts begins to cultivate virtue. The infant, without fear, seeks heaven. Only skandhas and no ego—this is the sravakayana. The castle of the pratyekabuddhas uproots the seeds of karma.

The Mahayana committed to others is the house of the Yogacara (Fa-hsiang) school.

The enlightened mind of nonarising is the Madhyamika (San-lun) school.

The palace of the Lotus [Sutra] is the one path of nonexistence. The absolute absence of a self-nature is the teaching of the Avatamsaka [Sutra].

This Shingon teaching is adorned with the mysteries. The former nine stages of the mind are called shallow and provisional.

The final, undivided mind of the Buddha is called the profound and absolute.

Although each is called a marvelous realization, they are not the absolute Buddha.

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Chapter I

What truth is there in the moon in the water? Moreover, although they are called the mature teaching, all are imperfect vehicles.

There is no truth in the bubbles on the lake's surface. The gradual paths from the shallow to the profound are the successive stations of discarding the inferior and seizing the superior.

Question: What is the difference between the Buddha of the former nine types of teaching and the deity of the final, single type of Shingon realization?

[Answer:'] Verses say,

The exoteric Buddha is both ignorant and not illuminated. The esoteric Buddha exhausts delusion without remainder. Exoteric Buddhism is the explanation of the sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya. Esoteric Buddhism is the explanation of the one dharmakaya Buddha. Exoteric Buddhism creates a teaching in accord with the thoughts of others.

Esoteric Buddhism is classified as the teaching in accord with [Mahavairocana's] own thoughts.

Exoteric Buddhism is an expedient, provisional teaching. Esoteric Buddhism is the absolute, fundamental, and final teaching.

Exoteric Buddhism spends three kalpas attaining Buddhahood. Esoteric Buddhism in a single life perfects the Buddhist path. Exotericism explains one or two dharmakaya names. Esotericism, in brief, has four or five and at length innumerable [dharmakayas],

Exotericism seems to explain the secrets of just one half, noumena,

Esotericism explains both secret aspects, noumena and phenomena.

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12a Exotericism seems to explain the meaning of the precepts; Esotericism concurrently explains in detail the virtues expressed by the precepts.

Exoteric Buddhism is said to be the teaching that explains [Buddhas and living beings] as separate. Only Shingon explains the samadhi [of the union of the Buddha and living beings].

Exoteric Buddhism teaches that causes can be explained. Shingon teaches that results can be explained. In Exoteric Buddhism there are various causal seas of practice.

In Shingon there is the perfected sea of virtue. Exotericism explains the foundation of an undivided-mind reality.

Esotericism explains the principle of the equality of the three mysteries.

Exoteric Buddhism does not explain the undivided mind of everything.

Esotericism explains innumerable individual minds. Exotericism does not explain countless realities. Esotericism explains the principle of Indra's compound net. Exotericism makes principle the basis of all forms. Esotericism explains indestructible form to be principle. Exotericism explains that principle decidedly lacks expression.

Esotericism explains that principle has countless expressions.

In Exoteric Buddhism the dharmakaya does not explain the teaching.

In Esoteric Buddhism four bodies alike explain the teaching. Exotericism explains that the four universal vows (to save all living beings and so on) exhaust practices and pledges. Esotericism establishes five vows as practices and pledges. In Exotericism the dharmakaya is one and without retinue. 266

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Esotericism provides for four types of dharmakaya companions.

In Exotericism the Buddha of principle and wisdom does not benefit living beings.

In Esotericism, in the three times, living beings are always saved.

Exoteric Buddhism realizes the principle of a single reality. Esotericism realizes untold, countless principles. Exotericism posits serious impediments so one does not realize Buddhahood.

In Esotericism, though there are impediments one always realizes Buddhahood.

In Exotericism, without a profound contemplation there is no attaining Buddhahood.

In Esotericism, by merely intoning a mantra one also achieves Buddhahood.

Exotericism is the teaching of bodhisattvas and human masters.

Esotericism is the teaching of the four types of dharmakaya?,. Exoteric Buddhism is the rise and fall of the true teaching (True Dharma), its semblance (Imitative Dharma), and decay (Latter Dharma).

Shingon is the eternal and unchanging teaching. Exoteric Buddhism is the teaching of birth through direct and secondary causes.

Esoteric Buddhism is the teaching of the truth itself. Exoteric Buddhism explains one topic with many names and phrases.

Esotericism incorporates many meanings in the principle of one syllable.

Exoteric Buddhism is the teaching of the sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya.

Esoteric Buddhism is the teaching of the dharmakaya for its own enjoyment.

267

The Illuminating Secret Commentary Exotericism explains the theory of one principle and many phenomena.

Esoteric Buddhism is the teaching of [all phenomena] together being alike but different. Exoteric Buddhism is the teaching that explains just a little the features of a syllable. Esoteric Buddhism is the principle of the feature and meaning of a syllable.

Exotericism does not explain the four seals (mudrâs, i.e., mahâ-mudrâ, samaya-mudra, dhcirma-mudra, and karma-mudrâ); Esotericism does.

Exotericism does not explain the five stages of attaining enlightenment (pancâkârâbhisambodhikrama); Esotericism does.

Exotericism does not explain the five wisdoms; Esotericism does.

The six elements of Exotericism are shallow; in Esotericism they are profound and extensive.

Exotericism obscures the three mysteries; Esotericism clarifies them.

Exotericism obscures the three families; Esotericism masters them well.

Exotericism neglects both worlds (Garbhadhâtu and Vajradhâtu); Esotericism alone explains them. Exotericism does not have the theory of attaining Buddhahood with one visualization. Exotericism is not the teaching of attaining Buddhahood by visualizing syllables.

Exotericism does not have the theory of attaining Buddhahood by forming mudrâs.

Exotericism reveals a Buddhahood first attained five hundred kalpas (eons) ago.

Esotericism teaches a path of perfection, originally unborn. The above differences are called the excellent meaning. 268

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Correctly Entering the Esoteric

Shingon Teaching

This has three components: the practice of the mystery of the body, the practice of the mystery of speech, and the practice of the mystery of mind. The practice of the mystery of speech has itself three sections: mantra recitation, visualization of [the forms of] the syllables, and realization of the syllables.

Mantra recitation is the recitation of the mantras with care, since mistakes in the phrases are not allowed. Visualization of syllables means that one visualizes the form of each syllable of the mantras. For instance one visualizes [the form of] the syllable Om on the tip of the nose, and in the latter watch of the night one attains enlightenment. Realization of the syllables means realizing the true meaning of each syllable.

There are also two parts to the teaching on the realization of the meaning of syllables. The first is the brief interpretation of the meaning of each syllable. The second is the teaching on the allencompassing dharmadhatu dharmakaya. The first is the dharmakdya teaching of the five cakras and five wisdoms. The second is the sambhogakdya teaching of the nine syllables and nine vehicles. Now the dharmakaya is the fundamental Mahavairocana dharmakaya. He enters the samadhi of the one essence and rapid power of all Tathagatas and explains the samadhi of the dharmadhatu essence, saying, "I realize the originally unborn and transcend the path of speech. All offenses are resolved. I am far removed from direct and secondary causes. I realize that emptiness is like space."

Also, Vairocana Buddha abides in the diamond-sport samadhi, which destroys the four demons (klesamara, skandhamara, mrtyumara, and devaputramard). He explains the verses on the 269

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destruction of the four demons, the salvation of the six paths of rebirth, and the fulfillment of the all-knowing wisdom vajra: Namah samanta-buddhanam (Homage to all the Buddhas) ah vi ra hum kham. These five syllables are the mantra verse that destroys the four demons. The former verse, [the homage,] means to take refuge in the Three Jewels and so on.

The syllable ah means practice and the originally unborn. The two dots (the h, visarga, two dots in Indie scripts) mean purification. This can destroy the four demons and remove all suffering. Its extensive interpretation is as follows.

As the earth nurtures all things, so the earth element of the syllable A nurtures all practices of the six pdramitas. Earth has the meaning of hardness. The mind of enlightenment (bodhicitta) is adamantine, nonretrogressing, and always tied to all virtuous fruits. If, when the Shingon practitioner tosses a flower, [it lands] on the mental ground of the [form of the] syllable A, [which is] the innate bodhicitta, one plants the seed of enlightenment that is first perceived. The underlying causes of pestilence and so on are removed, and one quickly reaches the highest enlightenment. One should know that this person has the surname of One Syllable, [the Buddha] Usnisacakravartin. Therefore do not belittle the body. One should cultivate the bodhi practice. In this Shingon teaching the adverse agents doubt and slander are advantageous in the harmonious practice of the teachings of the three vehicles. How much more [if] one is able to toss a flower! How much more does the yogin have faith and discipline! This, in other words, signifies the syllable A and growth.

The syllable vi means to bind. A picture is an indestructible samadhi, that is, a mysterious liberation. The syllable va is the water element, which can cleanse the grime of the defilements. This is mind and body striving, the total cultivation of bodhi[citta] and not being scatterbrained. The syllable va signifies the water element and not being dissipated, that is, this is a perfected ocean of virtue.

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The syllable ra means purifying the six sense organs. It can consume the defiled firewood of action, purify the transgressions and obstructions of the six sense organs, and realize the fruit of enlightenment.

The syllable hum has three meanings [corresponding to] ha, u, and ma (in Indie scripts). This is explained in detail in [Kukai's] Unjigi (The Meanings of the Word Hum). Also, these are the three gates to liberation [of emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness]. Just as the wind element can sweep up light and serious defilements, the wind element of the syllable ha can sweep up eighty thousand defilements and realize the principle of the four nirvanas (i.e., the nirvana of original self-purity, nirvana with remaining defilements, nirvana without remaining defilements, and nirvana without abode). When the wind of the syllable ha's direct and indirect causes ceases, this is called the rest and bliss of great nirvana. The syllable kharn signifies the space element. It means that the encompassing dharmadhatu, like space, is indestructible. Like the space element, it does not hinder any existence but permits growth. The space element of the syllable kham encompasses pure and defiled lands and can perfect the direct and indirect fruits of the simpleton and the wise.

The Tripitaka master Subhakarasimha said (? T. 18: 910b): The heart of he Vajrasekhara-sutra, the eye of he Mahavairocana Sutra, the peerless field of merit, and the superlative virtue lie just in this diamond mantra of five syllables. If one receives this then the virtues one obtains cannot be measured. Forever there will be neither calamities nor illnesses. One will eliminate heinous offenses and assemble manifold virtues. Also, your body born from your parents quickly experiences the state of great enlightenment. If you recite this one time per day, or from twenty-one to forty-nine times, compared to one recitation, it is like repeating one hundred million recitations of the twelve divisions of the Tripitaka.

This has been praise of the power of this mantra. 271

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The Illuminating Secret Commentary [What follows is a] picture of the five elements, the five cakras, the dharmadhatu of the six elements, the wheel of the ten worlds, the true nature of the form and mind of all living beings, the perfected Buddhahood of one's own body. Peacefully establish the receptacle world. World of Just Retribution Upper Part Complete Upper World Dharma Mandala Symbolic Mandala (dharma-mandala) (samaya-mandala) Ah A

A

Ah Am

space

wind

fire

water

Complete Lower World Lower Part Vertical Three Worlds Horizontal Ten Worlds earth

Great Mandala (maha-mandala) blue

black

red

white

Five Paths all heavens all humans all demons all animals yellow

all hells 272

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Ratnasambhava

Aksobhya

/"fï'N Ui ;

Amoghasiddhi

The five cakras are the five families. The five families are the five wisdoms.

The five wisdoms are the five

directions.

The two dots of the space cakra are the usnisa. The knowledge-fist (bodhyagrya)-mudra signifies the Vajradhatu.

The samadhi-mudra signifies the Garbhadhatu. These two parts are the nondual mandalas. Action (Karma) Mandala

The above five cakras, called the head cakra, the face cakra, the chest cakra, the stomach cakra, and the knee cakra, are established on the basis of the yogin['s body]. In the Vajradhatu the single syllable vam turns into the five cakras. In the Garbhadhatu the single syllable ah is manifested in five cakras. Or a, va, ra, ha, and kha alike become the five-ca&ra world. In reference to the yogin, his pure mind of faith becomes the seed-syllable of the five cakras. The pure mind of faith is the pure mind of enlightenment. This is to know one's own mind as it really is. Vertically it displays ten types of shallow and profound [minds]. Horizontally it displays a countless number [of minds]. [The First Type of Mind]

When I leave my hometown and appear in the land of sentient beings, the offensive acts of the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance) are equal to the reckless thoughts of the goat. One can degenerate into the three [evil] paths (the realm of hungry ghosts, 273

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the realm of animals, and the hell realms) and the eight conditions in which it is difficult to hear the teaching. By knowing the evil acts of one's own mind just as they are, one is removed from a parental home of ignorance. Furthermore, one forsakes a mind of fame and deeply believes in unlimited, adorned, and boundless self-existence. This, in other words, is the initial seed of knowing one's own mind just as it is.

[The Second Type of Mind]

Chou Ch'u [of the Western Chin dynasty] kept apart from the three dangers (dragons, tigers, and self-love). Ajatasatru regretted the three [evil] actions and realized the principle of fasting and moderation in eating. Occasionally he accepted the eight precepts (not to kill, steal, and so on), and redoubled his vows to attain success. Notwithstanding that the purple imperial palace was an old haunt of his previous life, the fabulous realm of the five desires was satiated right before his eyes, and he knew his own mind just as it was. [The Third Type of Mind]

The high platform of the first dhyana is the proud abode of the past. A joy beyond this life is experienced forever and does not end. This is knowing an infant's own mind just as it is. [The Fourth and Fifth Types of Mind]

Gradually to understand the firewood of this burning house (i.e., samsara, this world of suffering) is to be asleep in the house of the sravakas and pratyekabuddhas. To know the slight eradications of these two vehicles just as they are is not to experience the principle of the empty nature of living beings.

[The Sixth and Seventh Types of Mind]

[For the mind] committed to others, which severs speech, there are differences in human nature. For the unborn thought of 274

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enlightenment there is emptiness alone and deliberations are severed. These [two minds] know, just as they are, that existence is ill and that emptiness is ill. They leave the distant path of the three great kalpas and anticipate the end of a vast and endless kalpa. [The Eighth and Ninth Types of Mind]

The Eternal Buddha of the Lotus Sutra, moreover, demonstrated an origin five hundred kalpas ago. The Reward Buddha of the Avatamsaka Sutra also echoes with an explanation of the ineffable. This is a partial understanding of one's own mind just as it is and not a complete understanding.

[The Tenth Type of Mind]

The secrets of the five stages of meditation (pancakarabhisambodhikrama) and the five wisdoms, the adornment of the world of wisdom and the world of principle, the stage of the mind of original self-enlightenment, these are called natural enlightenment. Also, they are called "knowing one's own mind just as it is." The profound meaning will be further discussed.

The true characteristics of the form and mind of all living beings is Vairocana's wisdom body of equality of beginningless origin. Form is the form skandha. Developed, it forms five cakras. Mind is the element of consciousness. United, it forms four skandhas. These indeed are the intrinsic wisdom of the dharmadhatu dharmakaya of the six elements. Because the five cakras are each endowed with manifold virtues, they are called cakras. Their innate features are extensive and if named are called "great. " Because the Five Buddhas are self-enlightened and enlighten others, they are called Buddhas. Because the five wisdoms are concisely interpreted and resolute, they are termed wisdoms. Form is not apart from mind. The five elements are the five wisdoms. Mind is not separate from form. The five wisdoms are the five cakras. Form is emptiness. All elements are the five wisdoms. Emptiness is form. The five wisdoms are all elements. Because form and mind are 275

The Illuminating Secret Commentary nondual, the five elements are the five organs. The five organs are the five wisdoms. These are pictured. A Liver; Lord: Eye

Afqya-consciousness; great perfect mirrorlike wisdom *1

Ratnaketu Buddha; Aksobhya, Bhaisajyaguru f t

Generating the mind of enlightenment (bodhicitta) Earth East; Wood; Spring; Blue Va Lung; Lord: Nose

<3>

Manas perception; discriminative wisdom; dharmacakra pravartana wisdom

Amitâyus

Water Developing the fruit of enlightenment West; Metal; Fall; White 13c Ra Heart; Lord: Tongue A [Klista]mano perception; equality wisdom Samkusumitarâjendra; Ratnasambhava; Prabhütaratna Cultivation of bodhi practice Fire South; Fire; Summer; Red Ha Kidney; Lord: Ear

Five perceptions; duty-fulfillment wisdom Amoghasiddhi; Sakyamuni; Dundubhisvara Principle of entering nirvana Wind North; Water; Winter; Black Kha Spleen; Lord: Mouth

Amara-consciousness; intrinsic dharmadhatu wisdom Vairocana Buddha

Endowed with means

Space Center; Earth-function; Yellow The above is the tradition of Subhakarasimha (T. 18: 909b). A: Earth; Earth; Saturn; Center; Yellow; Prthivi Lord; Sthâvarâ (Stable Earth) Goddess. 276

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Vi: Water; Water; Mercury; North; Black; Varuna; dragons and river gods.

Ra: Fire; Fire; Mars; South; Red, Agni Deva; fire god. Ham: Metal; Wind; Venus; West; White; metal god; Vayu Deva. Kham: Wood; Space; Jupiter; East; Blue; wood god; Akasa Deva; sky god.

The above is the tradition of the Tripitaka master Amoghavajra (T. 21: 391c, 398b).

A: Generating enlightenment in one's own mind; great perfect mirrorlike wisdom; Ratnaketu, Aksobhya; East. A: Endowing this very mind with all practices; equality wisdom; Samkusumitaraja; Ratnasambhava; South. Am: Witnessing genuine enlightenment of the mind; discriminative wisdom; Amitabha Buddha; West. Ah: Realizing the great nirvana of the mind; duty-fulfillment wisdom; Dundubhisvara; Amoghasiddhi; Sakyamuni; North.

Amh: Generating the expedient means of the mind; intrinsic dharmadhatu wisdom; Mahavairocana Buddha; Center. The Five Buddhas and the five wisdoms of the [Pure] Land Adorned with Mysteries and the nondual principle and wisdom are the Vajradhatu. These are the Five Buddhas and five wisdoms of the Garbha[dhatu].

Va: Generating bodhicitta; great perfect mirrorlike wisdom; Aksobhya; Ratnaketu.

Vd: Cultivating bodhi practice; equality wisdom; Ratnasambhava; Samkusumitaraja.

Vam: Achieving the fruit of enlightenment; discriminative wisdom; Amitabha Buddha. 14a

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Vah: Entering the principle of nirvana; duty-fulfillment wisdom; Amoghasiddhi; Dundubhisvara; Sakyamuni. Vamh: Endowment of expedient means; intrinsic dharmadhatu wisdom; Mahavairocana Tathagata.

The mind—the Five Buddhas of the Vajradhatu and the nondual Mahayana—is the Garbhafdhatu], That is, it is the nondual Five Buddhas and five wisdoms of the Vajradhatu. Just as one knows the five cakras of this syllable va, just so also are the other syllables. Because each is endowed with the five wisdoms, they also are innumerable wisdoms. Because of the power of the [great] perfect mirror[like wisdom], they are truly enlightened wisdoms. This is called Buddhahood attained by one's own mind. If the yogin, in the four periods (i.e., evening, night, morning, and afternoon), is not interrupted, and if whether asleep or awake he contemplates wisdom without disruption and accords with samadhi, he attains Buddhahood in the present body in this life without difficulty. Ra Ha Kha Liver

Rd Ha Kha Heart

Ram (the Five Buddhas of the Ratna Family) Ham (the Five Buddhas of the Karma Family) Kham (the Five Buddhas of the Akasa Family) Spleen; the contemplation of the yogin

Rah Hah Khah Lung

Ramh Hamh Khamh Kidney

The Tripitaka master [Amoghavajra] said:

I have transmitted these five syllables from the Tripitaka master Vajrabodhi. Having faith, and cultivating these over one thousand days, suddenly on a full moon night in autumn I attained the samadhi eliminating obstructions. Accordingly I heard this secret and deeply believed in it. For many years I practiced this and finished attaining the first stage 278

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of samadhi. The faithful yogin does not conceive doubts or fantasies. If yam were an empty word, in cultivating it you would know yourself, and your vows still would not be fulfilled in a single lifetime but be in vain or cease.

Next, the syllable A is the Vajra Family of Aksobhya who rules the liver and visual perception. That is, the syllable A is the principle dharmakdya of the Tathagata Mahavairocana, self-purity, the realm of the originally unborn and incomprehensible sunyata. It is the seed-syllable of the earth cakra of great compassion and the mandala of the Vajra Family. In reference to form, earth is the form element. It is the consciousness skandha of the mind among the five skandhas and upholds the earth. If impurities are applied to this seed-syllable, the earth consciousness is stirred and beckons love. Windy skies are the essence of potential offenses, and the burning earth is the gate of offenses. If the seed-syllables of water, space, and consciousness descend and dwell in the womb, they all become the five skandhas. Because the consciousness skandha of the mind among the five skandhas is developed, it is called "earth." This is the form element. Now the liver rules the spiritual soul. The spirit (Ch.: ch'i) of the soul is the spirit of wood in the eastern direction. Its color is sky blue. This blue color depends on wood to arise. Wood depends on water to grow. The liver depends on the blue breath and kidney for life. Its shape is like the lotus leaf. A bunch of stones is found in it. It is found to the left of the heart in the body (from a frontal view). The liver externalized forms the eye and governs the muscles. When the tendons are exhausted they become nails.

[Chih] Chiao Ch'an Shih [of the Sung dynasty] said that the liver lotus has eight leaves and is blue in color; it has five shades. The syllable vam is the Lotus Family of Amitabha Buddha who rules the lungs and olfactory perception. That is, the syllable vam is the eleventh vocal change [of the syllable va\. The syllable vi is the third change. This is the wise water of the Tathagata Mahavairocana. It is the seed-syllable of the great compassionate water cakra of Amitabha. The Dharma of the mastery of spiritual powers 14b

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is called the dharmakaya. Conformity to and response to features is also called the sambhogakaya. This is the mandala of the Lotus Family. The lungs rule the animal soul. The appearance of animal souls is like the form of the nose. This is the western direction and the element metal. It rules autumn and its color is white. Breath is found naturally in the lungs and nose, i.e., this is the element wind. This is the idea (samjna) skandha of the mind among the five skandhas and upholds the wind. The idea skandha of the mind depends on consciousness to arise. The consciousness of the mind depends on the two causes of the past (avidya, ignorance, and samskdra, mental formations) to produce the present five effects (i.e., the five skandhas: consciousness, vijhana; name-and-form, nama-rupa; six sense bases, sadayatana; contact, sparsa; and feeling, vedana). That is, based on ignorance (avidya) and mental formations (samskdra) there arise consciousness, name-and-form, and so on. Erroneous thinking develops and becomes an endless samsara. These are the twelve links of dependent arising (pratityasamutpada).

The lungs generate mental consciousness. Mental consciousness generates erroneous thoughts and these cause samsara. When white breath and many pungent smells of the lungs enter the lungs, these swell and damage the liver. If there is no animal soul in the lungs, there is trepidation and disease, and the heart damages the lungs, which become ill. Just as if fire were victorious over metal, if the heart is strong, the lungs are weak. One should stop the lungs in the heart. With the white spirit gather the red spirit and the illness of the lungs will vanish. "White spirit" is a name for the lungs. The flower of the lungs has three leaves, is white in color, and is semicircular in shape. They are found 45.45 centimeters to the right and left of the third vertebra. The syllable ram is the Ratna Family of Ratnasambhava, who rules the heart and mouth. That is, the syllable ram is the wise fire of the Tathagata Mahavairocana, the great compassion of Ratnasambhava, the mandala of the body of blessed virtues, and the seed-syllable of the fire element. It burns the defilements of beginningless ignorance and erroneous attachment of all living 2 8 0

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beings and causes the seed of the mind of enlightenment (bodhicitta) to sprout. In other words, this is the body of the Tathagata's blessed virtues. The fire of true wisdom consumes the karmic causes of poverty and makes one a master of blessed virtues. The fire of the heart rules the summer, and its color is red. From the color red, fire arises, and fire arises from wood. It is the feeling (vedana) skandha of the mind among the five skandhas and upholds fire. Feelings depend on thoughts to arise. Also, the heart depends on the red breath and lungs to exist. The heart externalized becomes the tongue, which governs the blood. Blood exhausted becomes milk. Also, this governs the auditory perceptions and produces the nasal passages, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the jaws, and so on. When many bitter flavors enter the heart, it swells and injures the lungs. If there is no spirit in the heart, one will largely forget the past and future. The kidneys injure the heart, which becomes ill. Just as if water were victorious over fire, if the lungs are strong the heart is weak. One should stop the heart in the lungs. With the red spirit gather the black spirit and the illness of the heart will vanish. "Red spirit" is a name for the heart. The flower of the heart is red in color and triangular in shape. It is found 45.45 centimeters exactly to the left of the fifth vertebra. The syllable ham is the Karma Family of Amoghasiddhi Buddha, who rules the kidneys. That is, the syllable ham, is the eleventh changed sound of the syllable ha. It is generally interpreted as the others. It is common to the fifteen vowels, i.e., it is the eternal life of the Tathagata Mahavairocana, the true essence of Sakyamuni, the seed-syllable of the great compassionate wind element. This signifies that the gate of the three liberations and the three times are incomprehensible. This is the karma-mandala of the karmic body. Wind is the idea skandha of the mind and upholds the ocean water of the six internal organs. The breath of the lungs circulates and becomes the sea of samsara. The five organs are the liver, lungs, heart, spleen, and kidneys. The stomach is one of the six internal organs. The stomach is the abdomen, which includes the spleen. The ocean water of the six internal organs 281

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fully enters the stomach. The excretions of the internal organs all are received in the stomach, and each of the five flavors flows. Since good flavors enter the stomach, the kidneys are connected with the stomach. The stomach is below the twelfth vertebra on both sides for 45.4 centimeters. The kidneys are on either side of the fourteenth vertebra, each 45.4 centimeters. Also, the one below the waist on the left is called the "kidney," while the one on the right is called the "gate of life." The kidneys supply the heart. If they tire they drain off ice nutrients. They govern [human] resolution. They become the northern direction and water. Water governs the winter. They are black and are the impulses (samskara) in the mind among the five skandhas and uphold water. Impulses depend on feelings to arise, and feelings depend on thoughts to arise. The kidneys depend on the color black and the lungs to arise and govern the ears. The kidneys manifested become the bones and govern the marrow. The marrow exhausted becomes the ears and breasts. The bones weakened become the teeth. When many salty flavors enter the kidneys, they swell and damage the heart. If there is no resolution in the kidneys, there is much sorrow, and the spleen injures the kidneys, which become ill. Just as if the earth were superior to water, if the spleen is strong, the kidneys are weak. One should stop the kidneys in the spleen. With the black spirit gather the yellow spirit and the illness of the kidney will vanish. "Black spirit" is a term for water.

The syllable kham is the Akasa Family of Vairocana, the Tathagata Mahavairocana of the upper region, who rules the spleen and tongue perception. That is, the syllable kham is the invisible usnisa of Mahavairocana, the five Buddha Usmsacakravartins (Sitatapatra, Jayosnlsa, Vijayosnisa, Tejorasyusnlsa, and Vikiranosnisa), the wisdom of great space, nirvana, reality (bhutatathata), the enlightenment realized by all Buddhas in the ten directions and the three times, and the peerless supreme mandala. The spleen governs the amara-consciousness and is in the very middle. Also, it rules the season of summer, and its color is yellow. The syllable A has a true golden color. The collor yellow nurtures wood from 282

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the earth and creates fire from wood. It is the consciousness skandha in the mind among the five skandhas and upholds the earth. Or, this is the wood consciousness. Wood is blue; this is the sky. The spleen depends on the yellow spirit and heart to exist. It rules the mouth and is [human] volition. When many sweet flavors enter the spleen, it swells and injures the kidneys. If in the spleen there is no willing spirit, there is much perplexity; the kidneys harm the spleen and it becomes ill. Just as if wood were superior to earth, if the kidneys are strong, the spleen is weak. One should stop the heart in the kidneys. With the yellow spirit gather the blue spirit and the illness of the spleen will vanish. "Yellow spirit" is a name for the spleen. The flower of the spleen has one leaf, is yellow in color, and has four corners.

The five organs are like a lotus flower facing downward. The inner five organs are manifested in the five outer actions and take on an appearance. This is called form. Form is the five elements and the five senses. Name is thought, the fourth skandha of the mind. Form and mind are the dharmakaya of the six elements, the Tathagata of the five wisdoms, the five great bodhisattvas (Vajraparamita, Vajrasattva, Vajraratna, Vajradharma, and Vajrakarma), and the five great vidyarajas (Acalanatha, Trailokyavijaya, [Amrta]kundalin, Yamantaka, and Vajrayaksa). In general, the sun, the moon, the five planets, the twelve [astrological] houses, and the twenty-eight constellations become the human form. The earth element of mountains and islands arises from the syllable A. All river and ocean currents arise from the syllable ao77i. Gold and precious gems, the constellations, the sun and moon, and radiant gems arise from the syllable ram. The five grains, all fruits, and the blossoms of all flowers depend on the syllable ham for fruition. Excellent and fragrant beauties, the growth of people and animals, facial color and radiance, proper features, blessings, virtues, wealth, and honor depend on the syllable kham to adorn one.

The syllable A is the essence of thought, profound sunyata, and nirvana. In comprehending this there can be no comprehension. In 283

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rejecting this there can be no rejection. It is the mother principle of all natures' ability to exist and the essential wisdom at the basis of consecrations. Just as the syllable A has been discussed, so too can the other syllables.

In general, the Mahavairocana Sutra and the Vajrasekharasutra combine in outline a profound, wonderful, and peerless field of merit and a deep, inscrutable, and virtuous essence. All sutras of the Mahayana explained by the sambhogakaya and the nirmanakaya exist in these five syllables only. If one recites these once, the virtues obtained are immeasurable and mysterious. Moreover, all virtues of eliminating calamities (santika), increasing benefits (paustika), subduing (abhicaruka), subjecting (vasikarana), and attracting (akarsana) are all completely perfected. The mantra of five syllables is an incantation of all Buddhas. The five mudras are all mudras of living beings. Further, the yogin who practices these should know that they forever end calamities and eliminate all diseases. They are the jeweled topknot of the Five Buddhas, the profound base of the five wisdoms; the mother principle of the Tathagatas in the ten directions benefiting living beings; the protective wise father of the sages in the three times. Furthermore, they are the complete essence of the six elements and the four mandalas, the different four bodies and three mysteries, the refuges of the four [kinds of] sages (i.e., sravakas, pratyekabuddhas, bodhisattvas, and Buddhas), the six common beings (i.e., hell dwellers, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras [demigods], and devas [gods]), and the true nature of the five destinies (i.e., the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, and devas), and the four [modes of] births. They destroy the four maras and liberate one from the six destinies (i.e., the above five destinies plus the realm of asuras).

The syllable A is the diamond earth and the contemplation of the diamond seat. The syllable vam is diamond water and the contemplation of the lotus dais of the mind. The syllable ram is the diamond fire element and constitutes the solar disc contemplation. The syllable ham is the wind of diamond wisdom and constitutes 284

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the lunar disc contemplation. The syllable kham is the space of the diamond samadhi and constitutes the great space contemplation. By traversing the stage of great space one perfects the mystery of the body, that is, this is the supreme drink of the unborn nectar and the wonderful medicine of the sweet Buddha-nature. If one syllable enters the five organs, all illnesses and all troubles will cease. Thus the great master [Kukai in his Nenjishingonrikankeibyakumon] says, "If one syllable enters the organs, all illnesses cease." The common person contemplating the solar or lunar disc attains Buddhahood.

Also, the heart of the common person has a form like a closed lotus flower. It is a muscle divided into eight parts. These are the eight petals of he heart lotus and the eight parts of he flesh. In contemplating this heart lotus make the eight petals of the white lotus unfold. Above the dais, contemplate the syllable amh with a vajra shape. This is expedient means constituting the end, the Lord of the Mind Mahavairocana Tathagata, the intrinsic wisdom of he dharmadhdtu, the eternally quiescent and fundamental dharmakaya. It is the complete essence of he [lotus] flower dais, it transcends the petals, and moreover it is not of he realm of hought or speech. Only Buddhas and solely Buddhas can realize this. With this expedient, all images that appear are identical to great emptiness. The central dais of the heart is empty space possessing all forms. It is the causeless dharmakdya manifesting forms. In other words, this is the universal ocean assembly of the mandala of the empowered world in the ten directions. It is not a place beyond reach. Everywhere it is united with the dharmadhatu. This is entirely the form body of one essence of the Tathagata Mahavairocana. Since it is endowed with all virtues, it is the Buddha. All Buddhas are the being (sattva) Mahavairocana. All beings are Vairocana. Gods, raksasas, demons, and spirits too are features of the dharmakaya. Thus realize that these five syllables are the incantations of all Buddhas.

When people transmit this teaching, they should present offerings such as caityas and be endowed with the virtues of the arhats. How much more should they have faith and practice! Such 15b

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people are white lotuses among people. They are relics of the dharmakaya. They combine the four bodies of Vairocana, that is, they are identical to the innate and pure five wisdoms of all Buddhas. The nine consciousnesses of my nature arise from the two forms of karma resulting from the past, are nondual, and have the same nature. The great being (mahasattva) [Mahavairocana] of Shingon has the three mysteries alike and is like deep space. If the dharmadhatu is a palace, the site of the practice is the Land Adorned with Mysteries. If there is a main deity with six elements, then living beings are the main deity. If the main deity and the yogin are fundamentally equal, then I realize the origin. I am the ancient Buddha.

The world of principle and wisdom are my heart-mandala. The five families and three families are my body. One can be ignorant of the five elements, construct the castle of the three realms (i.e., the realms of desire, form, and non-form), and transmigrate in the five organs, five elements, and samsara. Making the syllable A the basis of ignorance, one suffers without abatement. If one realizes the five elements, one constructs the aspects of the four mandalas and realizes the Five Buddhas, the five wisdoms, and nirvana. This is the origin. All natures return to and enter the one syllable A. The features of the hells and the heavens, Buddha-nature and the icchantikas, defilements and enlightenment, samsara and nirvana, non-Buddhist views and the correct Middle Path, sunyata and existence, the relative and the absolute, the two vehicles and the One Vehicle, pain and joy—are all the results of the karmic effects of the six elements. Actually, these are the workings of the six elements that form causes. Consequently, with the sensations of the six elements, effects are produced. Based on true wisdom one can realize the six elements. By cultivating the five wisdoms, four bodies, four mandalas, three mysteries, and an upright mind, they are expressed and realized and one perfects the infinite and adorned great mandala. Through reckless attachments one can be deluded in the five destinies. Samsara, the defilements, the four and eight kinds of [grave] offenses, the five rebellious offenses, and the offense 286

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of slander affect corrupt minds. People suffer, grieve, and experience the effects of great pain and great hell. Ignorance and enlightenment exist in oneself. In the absence of attachment one reaches [nirvana]. The other syllables are also like this. Vam, hum, trah, hrih, and ah, in reference to the Vajradhatu, also clarify the five organs. These are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.

The liver is blue and governs wood. The syllable hum constitutes its original enlightenment. The syllable hrih can destroy this. Why? The syllable hum is the element wood, that is, the seedsyllable of the liver. The syllable hrih, is the element metal and the seed-syllable of the lungs. Because metal is superior to wood, the lungs are also superior to the liver. Thus know that with the syllable hrih one can destroy the syllable hum.

Theyogin should contemplate the meaning of the syllable hrih. Visualize the color white, that is, contemplate the principle of the originally unborn. Metal changes and becomes the sword of isdom. This destroys the wood nature of the three shades of blue; false views, that is, the five obstacles; and the one hundred and sixty minds risen from ignorance and erroneous views on the features of the syllable hum. All are exhausted. Furthermore, this nourishes the great hodhicitta tree of the originally unborn five wisdomvajras—the meaning of the syllable hum,—and the lord of the sala tree. This form gradually grows and becomes the Tathagata Aksobhya of the great perfect mirrorlike wisdom (adarsa-jhana). That is, this reveals the gate of the diamond hodhicitta samadhi. The heart is red in color and governs fire. The syllable trah constitutes its original enlightenment. The syllable ah can destroy this. Why? The nature of water is superior to that of fire, and the kidneys also are superior to the heart. Thus the meaning of the syllable ah destroys the features of the syllable trah. Thus with the black water of the originally unborn five wisdoms one douses the fire of the three shades of red; false views, that is, the one hundred and sixty minds; and the five obstacles risen from ignorance and erroneous views. Furthermore, this gives birth to the vajra-red fire 287

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of the blessings and virtues of the originally unborn five wisdoms of the syllable trâh. This gradually increases, and the blazing fire of wisdom becomes Ratnasambhava Tathâgata of the equality wisdom (samatâjnâna). In other words, this reveals the gate of the diamond samâdhi of blessings and virtue.

The lungs are white and govern metals. The syllable hrlh constitutes their original enlightenment. The syllable trâh can destroy this. Why? The nature of fire is superior to that of metal, and the heart also is superior to the lungs. The meaning of the syllable trâh destroys the features of the syllable hrlh. Thus with the red fire of the originally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom one consumes the falsely conceived rough metal of the three shades of white, i.e., the five obstacles and the one hundred and sixty minds risen from ignorance and erroneous views. This changes into the white metal of truth—the wisdom of the originally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom. Gradually increasing and perfected, this becomes Amitâyus Tathâgata of the discriminative wisdom (pratyaveksa-jnana) and the gate of the diamond samâdhi of wisdom.

The kidneys are black in color and govern water. The syllable ah constitutes their original enlightenment. The syllable ram can destroy this. Why? Earth is superior to water, and the spleen also is superior to the kidneys. The meaning of the syllable ram destroys the features of the syllable ah. Thus with the indestructible yellow earth of the originally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom one pours away the three kinds of black water, that is, the five obstacles and one hundred and sixty minds risen from ignorance and erroneous views. Moreover, one masters the black water of eight virtues of the originally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom. This gradually overflows and produces the body of Amoghasiddhi Tathâgata of the duty-fulfillment wisdom (krtyânusthânajnâna) and the gate of the diamond samâdhi of action.

The spleen is yellow in color and governs earth. The syllable vam constitutes its original enlightenment. The syllable hum can destroy this. Why? The nature of wood is superior to that of earth. The liver is superior to the spleen. The meaning of the syllable 288

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hum destroys the features of the syllable vam. Thus with the wood of the originally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom one destroys the falsely conceived earth of three shades of yellow, that is, the five obstacles and one hundred and sixty minds arisen from ignorance and erroneous views. Moreover, this produces the indestructible Nârâyana-like yellow originally enlightened earth of the fundamentally unborn five-pronged vajra wisdom of the letter vâmh. Gradually this increases and becomes the Tathâgata Vairocana of the intrinsic dharmadhâtu wisdom. This is the diamond samâdhi gate of the dharmadhâtu of the six elements. If, when chanting, it is the Vajradhàtu, the body enters the vajra-pàramitâ samâdhi and one becomes this deity. This is the essence of the nirmânakâya. If it is the Garbha[dhatu], the body enters the samâdhi of Manjusri. That is, the main deity becomes a nirmdnakâya. You and others form a profound assembly. This is the indestructible dharmakaya.

The gall bladder, in the stage of attainment, is named and becomes Trailokyavijaya. The large intestines, in the stage of attainment, are named and become [Amrtajkundalin. The bladder, in the stage of attainment, is named and becomes Yamântaka. The small intestines, in the stage of attainment, are named and become Vajrayaksa. The stomach, in the stage of attainment, is named and becomes Acala. The three entrails, in the stage of attainment, are named and become Samantabhadra. Emperor Saga (r. 809-823) asked, "What is the proof of attaining Buddhahood in the present body in the Shingon school?" Reverently the monk [Kfikai] entered the samâdhi of the contemplation of the five organs. Suddenly on the monk's head a jeweled crown of the Five Buddhas appeared, and from his physical body of the five substances a brilliant light in five colors radiated. Then [the emperor] rose from his seat, and all the people bowed to Kfikai. All the schools waved banners, and the empress sent robes. Thus this samâdhi of five organs was the secret of secrets. [Kfikai] did not rise from his seat; it was a samâdhi explained at that moment. However, it was all the more so only in response to his faith. 2 8 9

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The Illuminating Secret Commentary The Forms of the Gods of the Five Organs Blue Dragon (top right): Liver; hum; eyes; to call; rancid; Jupiter; Great Year God; blue; wood.

Mysterious Warrior (top left): Kidneys; ah; ears; to hum; foul; Mercury; Year God of Penalty; black; water.

Yellow Dragon (center): Spleen; vam; tongue; to sing; fragrant; Saturn; Year God of Virtue; yellow; earth. 290

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Red Sparrow (bottom right):

Heart; trdh; mouth; to talk; burnt; Mars; Year God of Destruction; red; fire.

White Tiger (bottom left):

Lungs; hrih; nose; to weep; rank; Venus; Great General; white; metal.

It is said in the Stanzas on One Syllable Entering an Organ [Whereupon] All Diseases Cease and One Attains Buddhahood in the Present Body:

If either a common person or a sage receives a consecration, forms the stupa-mudra with his hands, recites in the mouth the mantra vam, and contemplates that he is Mahavairocana, the one without doubts in this present life suddenly eliminates ignorance as well as the five rebellious offenses, the four or eight grave offenses, the seven rebellious acts violating the vows, the slandering of the Mahayana sutras, the countless serious offenses of the icchantikas, and so on—all these are completely eliminated. In the absence of the slightest offenses one attains Buddhahood in the present body and is forever removed from samsara. One always benefits living beings without cease. The Tathagatas in the ten directions likewise enter samadhi, and all the Buddhas of the three times themselves experience pleasure in the teaching. With mastery in spiritual powers one experiences the mysteries. The raising of the hands and the moving of the feet are all secret mudras. The sounds made upon opening the mouth are all mantras. The thoughts one has are one's own samadhi. The wonderful function of all virtues are the mandala of one's own mind. If one forms [a mudra] one time, then one surpasses the constant forming of all mudras. If one recites [a mantra] one time, then one also surpasses the chanting of countless untold mantras. If one visualizes just once, then it is certain that one transcends the three times, enters myriad samadhis, and 291

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17b cultivates wonderful visualizations. If there are living beings who hear of these virtues but do not have faith, then you should know that these people invariably fall into the Avici [Hell] and crush their own Buddha-natures. [Since] even all the Buddhas cannot save them, how much less [so could] other people [save them]!

The above stanzas were transmitted when Kakuban was initiated. Another version of these stanzas has been transmitted, but I have not written it down and do not remember it. The above teaching on the present body endowed with the five cakras is finished. Next is the teaching on the nine syllables and the ninefold future life in the Pure Land. This teaching has two parts. First is the teaching on the meaning of the phrase (the words). Second is the teaching on the meaning of the syllables.

First is the teaching on the meaning of the phrase om amrta tese [sic, teje] Kara hum. These nine syllables (om a mr ta teje ha ra hum) form five words. The initial syllable om has three meanings. The first meaning is the trikaya. The second meaning is to take refuge and bow. The third meaning is a vast offering. In general it is as [explained] in the Shou hu ching (Shugokyo, T. 19, No. 997: 565a).

Next is the meaning of the three syllables a mr ta. This is as in the commentary on the ten amrtas.

The next two syllables {teje) have six meanings. The first meaning is great majestic virtue, since [Amitabha] has six arms of ajestic virtue. The second meaning is great majestic light, since he has a ubiquitous shining light. The third meaning is great majestic spiritual power, since he has supernatural power. The fourth meaning is great majestic power, since he has the majestic power of the six elements. The fifth meaning is great majestic strength, since he has the virtue of quickly destroying enemies. The sixth meaning is great majestic wrath, since he has the virtue of roaring in the first bodhisattva stage {bhumi).

The next two syllables {ha ra) have six meanings. The first meaning is attaining Buddhahood, since [Amitabha's] mind, which 292

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attained Buddhahood, attained it long ago as an initial enlightenment. The second meaning is to do deeds, since he welcomes and joins [people to the Pure Land] without cease. The third meaning is to perform a function, since he has mastery in spiritual powers. The fourth meaning is to make recitation, since he welcomes persons with ten recitations. The fifth meaning is to practice meditation, since he enters the samadhi of discriminative wisdom. The sixth meaning is to make vows, since he generates the forty-eight great vows.

The final syllable [hum] is composed of the four letters a, ha, u, and ma. They have the meaning of destroying, since they destroy the enemies of Buddhism. They mean the power to create, since they can create countless truths. They mean fear, since they terrorize the deva maras of the non-Buddhist teachings. The commentary [of Kukai, the Unjigi,] on the meaning of the syllable hum. treats this in detail.

The syllable A is as above. Also, the one hundred meanings are as in the sutra (T. 19: 532b). There are, in brief, ten meanings of the three truths (emptiness, existence, and the Middle Path). To give one level of truth on the truth of existence, stanzas say: The three truths of pratityasamutpada are the truth of emptiness.

The three truths of pratityasamutpada are the truth of provisional [reality].

The three truths of pratityasamutpada are the truth of the Middle Path.

The infinite undivided mind is the truth of emptiness. The infinite undivided mind is the truth of existence. The infinite undivided mind is the truth of the Middle Path. The three mysteries of the dharmadhatu are the truth of the unborn.

The three mysteries of the dharmadhatu are the truth of innate existence.

The three mysteries of the dharmadhatu are the truth of the Middle [Path].

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The three mysteries of the dharmadhatu are the truth of the mandala.

Even one such meaning is however not known in Exoteric Buddhism. How much less does it possess a knowledge of the profound meanings of the ten truths! The first three truths, from the point of view of the three truths established by Exoteric Buddhism, constitute a wonderful contemplation of the mysterious three truths. However these are three teachings of an ignorant person. The next three teachings, in reference to the undivided mind of the shallow and abbreviated teachings of Esoteric Buddhism, use the name infinite for the mysterious three truths. All the above teachings, whether of the three vehicles or the One Vehicle, are all completely ignorant of the infinite extent of the stage of the undivided mind. Some know six consciousnesses, some know eight consciousnesses, some know nine consciousnesses, and some know ten consciousnesses.

In the second [group of] three truths, three infinite truths are posited. In the third [group of] three truths, in direct reference to the interpenetration of phenomena and principle, there is a broad discussion of the principle of the three truths. In the three truths of the third group, the dharmadhatu of phenomena and principle is united and explained. Moreover, this encompasses all natures. Since these are not unchanging natures with a secret self-nature, in direct reference to an original equality, the three mysteries of the dharma[kaya] Buddha with an unborn self-nature beyond one and all do not exist as subject or object. Still, we have the term third truth. The fourth single truth concerns the innate dharmadhatu reality, the svabhava-dharmakaya of wisdom. It signifies the wonderful truth of the deeply mysterious essence, characteristics, and function of the nondual Mahayana mandala.

Next, since the syllable u, [which means] the destruction of all natures, is incomprehensible, in six senses it is termed the destruction of all natures, because of 1) suffering, sunyata, non-eternity, and egolessness; 2) the changes of the four phases [of existence: 294

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birth, duration, change, and extinction]; 3) an incomparable selfexistence; 4) nonabiding self-nature; 5) existence due to dependent arising; and 6) relativity. Now the meaning of the syllable u is like this. One should know further that, since all natures originally have permanence, bliss, personality, and purity, the one absolute is immovable and is not hindered. They abide in selfnature, are without coming or going, transcend dependent arising, are originally unborn, have a nature identical to space, and thus have one nature. Thus in the sutra (T. 19: 505c) it says that the syllable u signifies the sambhogakaya. Also, there are nine types of destruction. These are the former nine types of mental states, since they are unaware of the inexhaustible and countless number of infinite three mysteries.

The final syllable ma signifies that the selfhood of all natures is incomprehensible. That is, a self signifies self-existence and two kinds of masters (i.e., ego and dharmas). The ego is oneself. Selves are all common folk. Non-Buddhist teachings, the two vehicles, the three vehicles, the One Vehicle of the same teaching, and the One Vehicle of the separate teaching [in the Kegon school] and so on are all attached to selves. [While] they all consider their own vehicle as the absolute self-existing and enlightened Buddha, in this Shingon school these form the initial mind. Also, the realm of nondual wisdom where all natures originally are equal is neither creator nor created. Potentially everywhere, it is nowhere destroyed. Still, as this is the undivided mind of the three mysteries, already it lacks two features. How can selves exist? Because a self is contrasted with others and is distinct from the features of others, a self also cannot be comprehended.

Also, the syllable ma signifies the nirmanakaya. The third syllable mr combines two syllables, that is, the syllable r is added to the syllable ma. This means that defilements cannot be comprehended, or this is used as a syllable meaning that supernatural powers cannot be comprehended. The syllable mr means the nirmanakaya and changes in supernatural powers. Since it is akin to the meaning of the nirmanakaya, this meaning is the best. Also, 295

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the syllable r means that all innately pure natures transcend impurities and purity. It also means samadhi and [specifically] the lotus samadhi of discriminative wisdom.

The fourth syllable, ta [in a, ma, r, and ta\, means that the suchness of all natures cannot be comprehended. Thus the Chung-lun (Mcidhyamaka-sastra; Churon; T. 30: 36a) states, "The reality of nirvana and the reality of the world are without the slightest difference. " Since they are not different, all natures are without opposition. Since they are not in opposition, they are without attachment. Since there is no attachment there also is no reality or liberation. The fifth syllable, te, has the syllable e added to [ta\, and this syllable e, [which means] seeking [salvation], is incomprehensible. As a stanza [in Kukai's Unjigi] says, "The unity of the sameness is called suchness. " Because of diversity, Suchness exists. Principle is boundless and wisdom is infinite. Even the [number of] sands of the Ganges River are not comparable, and the dust particles obtained by crushing the [entire] Buddha land are too few. Although there are many raindrops, they also are [of] a single [body of] water. [Although] the rays of a lamp are not one, in relation to the darkness they have the same substance. Form and mind are countless, and truth and relativity are boundless. The Lord of the Mind and the mind's attributes as a lord with followers are inexhaustible. They interpenetrate each other like the light of the jeweled net of Indra. Exceedingly difficult to consider, each is endowed with the five wisdoms. Although numerous they are not different, and although not different they are many. Thus they are called a single suchness. The single is not one and one. The countless are one. Suchness is not the permanence of suchness. It is oneness and relativity. Unless this principle is explained, this [teaching] will be [viewed as] a relative one. The inexhaustible jewel treasury thereby will be drained dry. The countless jeweled vehicles will be exhausted in this. This would be a great loss. The four countless bodies and the vast three mysteries, too vast to depict even if we used the earth for ink and Mount Sumeru as a brush, originally themselves are perfect, fixed, and unchangeable. 296

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On the meaning of seeking being incomprehensible, a stanza says:

All living beings of the four modes of birth and six destinies originally possess innumerable virtues. Walking, standing, sitting, and lying down are all secret mudras. Rough and detailed discussions are all mantras. Both the wise and the foolish are insightful. Being immersed [in samsara] or struggling [to be freed] are samadhis. All virtues are already possessed by me and are not far. With what, moreover, does one seek another place?

The sixth syllable, se (sic;je) has the sign for e added to sa (for ja), since the syllable sa [means] that the truth of all natures cannot be comprehended. Sa in Sanskrit is called satya and is translated [into Chinese] as ti (truth). Truth, like the true features of all natures, is known to be without error or fallacy. The truth of suffering explained by the Buddha could not be made otherwise even if the sun should be made cold or the moon hot. The samudayas are in truth causes, and there are no other causes. The end of causes is the end of results. The path of the cessation of pain is the true path, and there are no other paths.

Next, it is said in the \Mahdpari\nirvdna-sutra (T. 12: 411a): Realize that suffering (the First Noble Truth) is not suffering. Because it is not suffering, it is the absolute. The other three [of the Four Noble] Truths (origination, cessation, and path) are also like this. In distinguishing the Four [Noble] Truths there are countless characteristics as well as a single truth. It is as explained in the [Mahdpari]nirvdna-sutra [T. 12: 374-5]. This deals with the features of the syllables and further the original unborn nature of all things, as well as the reason why the absolute is without features, a path beyond speech, innately quiescent, with a dull self-nature. One should know that there is no seeing, there is no cessation, there is no realization, and there is no practice. Seeing [suffering], cessation [of its origin], realization [of 297

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18b its cessation], and practice [of the path] are all the mysterious dharmadhatu. It is also sunyata, the relative, and also the Middle Path. There is no truth and no delusion. The [features of samadhi] have no specific forms that could be shown. Thus it is said that truth is incomprehensible. The mark of the syllable e is as above. The seventh syllable, ha, means that the cause of all natures cannot be comprehended. In Sanskrit this is called hetu, that is, cause. If one realizes the principle of the syllable ha, then one knows that all natures arise from dependent arising. This is the feature of this syllable. Since all natures arise in succession, they arise from causes. One should know that since finally there is no dependent arising, nonabiding is explained as the basis of all natures. The reason why is as explained in the Chung-lun (T. 30: 2b). One contemplates the dependent arising of all natures from numerous standpoints. Since all are unborn, one should realize that all natures are mind-only.

The true characteristic of mind-only is a perfect knowledge of all things. This is the dharmadhatu of all Buddhas. The dharmadhatu is the essence of all natures. One cannot comprehend there being a cause. By knowing this [one knows that] the direct cause is the dharmadhatu. The secondary cause is the dharmadhatu. Natures arising from dependent arising also are the dharmadhatu. The above explanation on the letter A stems from a source and returns to its end. Ultimately we are led to this conclusion. Now the teaching on the syllable ha stems from an end and returns to the source; ultimately we are led to this conclusion. The syllable A is based on a source, is unborn, and creates all natures. The syllable ha also forms the cause of all things with no cause. The beginning and the end alike return, that is, the meaning interposed between the two (beginning and end) should be fully known. The eighth syllable, ra, means that all natures are apart from all defilements. In Sanskrit these are called rajas, which means impurity. Defilements are the motivations of corrupt feelings. Thus it is said that the six sensations of the eye and so on motivate the six defilements of form and so on. If one understands the principle 2 9 8

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of the syllable ra, then one knows that all natures that can be seen, heard, touched, or known are all defiled characteristics. Moreover, just as a clean robe that is soiled becomes defiled, so also does whirling dust swirl and make the great sky dark and obscure the sun and moon. These are the traits of this syllable. In the Chunglun (T. 30: 7b), in the search for subject and object, there is no subject. If there is no subject, who can function as the seer of objects and differentiate external forms? Since there is nothing that could be a subject or an object of a subject, the four natures, consciousness, perception, feeling, and attachment, all do not exist. Because there is no attachment, the divisions of the twelve links of dependent arising also do not exist. Thus when the eye sees a form, this is a feature of nirvana. The other examples are similar. Next, all natures are the pure dharmadhatu of Vairocana, how much more the defiled six senses of the Tathagata! The Angulimdliya-sutra (T. 2: 532a) states: Endowed with a permanent and eternal eye, the Buddha clearly sees eternal forms His mind (manas) as well is also like this.

This is the true meaning of the syllable ra.

The ninth syllable, hum, has the meaning of the trikaya (three bodies). I shall very briefly explain this. The syllable ha forms the body of this syllable and the samhhogakaya. In this is the sound A. This is the dharmakaya. U is the samhhogakaya. Ma is the nirmdnakaya. The dharmakaya encompasses these and in brief has four varities. The first is the svabhavakaya. The second is the samhhogakaya. The third is the nirmdnakaya. The fourth is the nisyandakaya. These four kinds of bodies alike are termed the dharmakaya. Why? A verse says:

The six elements everywhere penetrate all common and wise persons.

They are equally established and do not increase or decrease.

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The undivided mind is the svabhava-dharmakaya Buddha. The one essence is the reward body, the sambhogakaya. The one characteristic is the nirmanakaya Buddha who changes.

The one function is the nisyandakaya of equality. These four bodies are included in the meaning of that which enlightens.

Ordinary people of the six elements are those to be enlightened.

The three mysteries that enlighten encompass those to be enlightened.

The four mandalas that are to be realized penetrate that which can enlighten.

Each interpenetrates and is a mandala. The three [kinds of] three equalities (i.e., mysteries) are the realization of Buddhahood.

The three mysteries as indestructible as a vajra encompass the dharmadhatu and do not choose a world with a Buddha or a world without a Buddha.

The yogins of the five mysteries (Vajrasattva and the four surrounding bodhisattvas) abide in the palace of the mind.

There is no distinction between adornment with the mysteries and no adornment with the mysteries. Also, there are five kinds of dharmakayas, since the dharmadhatukaya is united with the four bodies aforementioned. There are five kinds of mandalas, since the dharmadhatu mandala is added to the aforementioned four mandalas. A verse in the Cheng fa men (Shoikyo; T. 18, No. 291) states: The thirty-six Buddhist virtues of the svabhava[kaya\, sambhoga[kaya], nirmana[kaya], and nisyanda[kaya] are all equally the svabhavakaya. Since they are united with the dharmadhatukaya they become the thirty-seven virtues [bodhipaksikadharma].

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Also, in the Li ch'an wen (Raisankyo; T. 18, No. 878), besides the svabhava a dharmadhatukaya is established. Based on these sources there is a dharmadhatukaya in addition to the four bodies. The dharmadhatukaya is the dharmakaya of the six elements. Next is the amrta-mandala of the nine-syllable mantra. Always contemplate it and keep the mind sincere.

[Visualize] the letter A in the mind. It becomes a seven-jeweled tower. First stabilize the visualization of the water [bija] vam. Then visualize the earth [bija] A. Wave the hanging temple decorations and banners and fling the jeweled purification water (.argha). [Visualize] the heavens raining down wonderful clothing and men burning campaka incense. The flowers have four rare colors and the birds sing with six kinds of tones. There is joy in the trails of clouds and beneath the trees. Within the palace and in the outer gardens there is dancing. Each verse of the Buddhist teaching is excellent. Mandarava and mahjusaka [flowers] fall. The caves for entering into meditation are quiet caverns overflowing with the waters of constant meditation. The jeweled current of eight virtues is realized. The streamers resonate, combining six rhythms. The lake waters explain the six pdramitas. The jeweled vases reveal five stalks, and the candles burn the five wisdoms. The central dais opens into eight petals. Visualize on this the nine hrih syllables. Above the dais is Avalokitesvara. On the petals are the eight Buddha meditations. On the next [circle of] eight petals are a mr ta te me (sic; ye) ha ra hum as follows. This is the bija body of eight deities: Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, Akasagarbha, Samantabhadra, Vajrapani, Manjusri, Sarvamvaranaviskambhin, and Ksitigarbha. The twelve great offering bodhisattvas are arranged in order. This is the innate lotus of living beings, the substance of enlightenment and ultimate bliss, the great ocean assembly of purity, the twenty-five bodhisattvas, and the floweradorned mountain ocean assembly (Jujuseikyo; Dainihonzokuzokybmanji zokuzo, 87-4: 294, left b). Always guard this day and night. The power of the mantra bhuh kham changes this into the [Pure Land of] Absolute Bliss.

19a

19b

301

The Illuminating Secret Commentary [Picture of the Esoteric Mandala] [Outer square, clockwise from top left:] Vajrapuspà Om Vajrasphota Vam Vajràlokà Dih Vajràvesa Hoh Vajragandhà Gah Vajrànkusa Jah Vajradhupà Ah Vajrapàsa Hum 302

Chapter II

[Inner square, clockwise from top left:] Vajramala Trat

Vajragita Glh

Vajranrtya Krt

Vajralasya Hoh

[Outer circle, clockwise from bottom center:] Avalokitesvara A

Maitreya Mr

Akasagarbha Ta

Samantabhadra Te

Vajrapani Se

ManjusrI Ha

Sarvanivaranaviskambhin Ksitigarbha Hum.

[Middle circle:] Hrih. [Center:] Avalokitesvara This nine-syllable mandala originally issues from the syllable ha of the five cakras. This syllable generates the forty-eight vows of the causal stage of Dharmakara (T. 20: 267c). The winds of this teaching issue from the syllable ha. That having the syllable ha is the syllable named hrih. From the syllable hrih issues the ninesyllable mandala. From this emerges the one hundred and thirteen-syllable mantra, that is, this is the great dharani of amrta. Question: How should we understand the meaning of the phrases of this dharani? [Answer:] The meaning of the phrases of the great Sanskrit text is [as follows.] Namo (sic; nama) ratna traydya means to take refuge in and to bow to the Three Jewels, to save oneself, to pay homage, respect, and so on; namah (sic; nama) dry means muni, the Great Sage (i.e., Sakyamuni); amitabhaya (i.e., Amitabha) means infinite light and apramanabha means infinite disciple and [infinite] amrta or spiritual food; tathdgataya means the vehicle of the Tathagata 303

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The Illuminating Secret Commentary

("thus come" or "thus gone"); arhate samyaksambuddhaya means to kill [the enemy] (i.e., the passions), the unborn, suitable offerings, perfect enlightenment, and so on; tadyatha means that the mantra is about to be explained by the following; om means the trikdya, to attain perfect enlightenment, to make an offering, and to take refuge; amrte means [the nectar of mmortality], to continue in life, to have no old age or death, and so on; amrtodbhave means jeweled seat, to sit down, pleasure, comfortable seat; amrta-sambhave means to be born, to exist, come, attract; amrta-garbhe means Gaganaganja, Ksitigarbha, Akasagarbha, Vajragarbha; amrta-siddhe means accomplished, departed, to attain a result or the cause; amrta-teje means exalted virtues, sublime light, noble power, regal strength; amrta-vihrimte (sic; vikrante) means supreme bliss, peaceful life, pleasure, nirvana; amrta-vihrimta (sic; vikranta) means that however one attains all pleasure it is called supreme happiness; gamine means space, to abide, a world apart from suffering, peacefully residing in proper recitation; amrta-gagana-kirtikare means like space, without impediment or opposition, to attain life; amrta-dum-dubhisvare means pleasant sound, preaching the wonderful teaching, pleasant music, oneself taking pleasure in the teaching; sarva-arthasadhane means accomplishing everything, fulfillment, to be filled with joy in samadhi; sarva-karma-klesa-ksayam-kare means to make deeds universal, to protect a precious birth, to nurture life, esteemed assembly of the living, the end of time; svaha means for a yogin influenced [by the Buddha] and of pure faith, to fulfill the vow of welcoming others [to the Pure Land], to be successful in attracting an offensive person of the greatest evil.

The above in brief completes the [exposition of the] meanings of the phrases.

The fundamental secret mudra [is as follows]. The two hands interlock outwardly with the middle fingers in the shape of a lotus flower. This is called the mind aspiring to enlightenment (bodhicitta). It is also called the mudra of a determined future birth in the Pure Land or the general mudra of those of the nine classes of birth in the Pure Land.

304

Chapter III

Obtaining Unequaled Virtues

This refers to the virtues obtained upon entering the Shingon school and practicing for a moment. With reference to all six paramitas and the four ceaseless beneficial actions (i.e., almsgiving, kind speech, beneficial actions, and service) and so on, the features of the wisdom of the Buddha of Exoteric Buddhism are fully present in innumerable asamkhyeya kalpas. Among those obtained through constant practice, those of Shingon alone are supreme, since the three mysteries that are now cultivated are the truth. Question: In the unified practice of the three mysteries it is reasonable that virtues are obtained. If there is a yogin who only recites a mantra or only forms a mudra, there is no wisdom [gained]. Even granted that wisdom [is gained], what difference is there in the proportion of virtues obtained by a general practice lacking the other two mysteries?

Answer: Although there is no wisdom [gained] in a general practice or recitation, if there is faith the virtues obtained transcend those gained in Exoteric Buddhism over immeasurable kalpas. If there arises a single doubt about the mantra the result is constant karma, and one will always fall into hell. Therefore, unless there is an opportunity, one conceals the [treasure] chest in the bottom of the spring.

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Chapter IV

Cultivated and Self-perfected

Secret Practices

Although the yogin who practices mantras may lack profound wisdom, if one merely has suitable faith and merely chants them, forms [mudras], and visualizes for a moment the forms of the three types of esoteric bodies—[the written forms of the] syllables, the mudras, and the forms [of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas]—even though one may have countless serious hindrances from the past, endless serious offenses in the present, and vast ignorance and erroneous thought that have arisen in both past and present—one still obtains purity through the power of chanting these esoteric mantras and the power of the visualization.

Upon entering this teaching a little, three great asamkhyeya [kalpas] are transcended in the single recitation of the syllable A. Boundless blessings and wisdom are contained in the diamonds of the three mysteries. The eighty thousand toils change into ghee. The five skandhas suddenly become Buddha wisdoms. The mantras resounding from an opened mouth destroy offenses. The mudras made by raising the hands and moving the legs enhance blessings. The wonderful visualization rising from the mind is created by oneself. Mental activity suddenly becomes samadhi, that is, it is perfected. A destitute woman in a filthy courtyard suddenly raises the banner of the cintamani, and in the dark room of ignorance suddenly the light of the sun and moon shines. One waves the banners of the four types of demons and binds them. One commands the bandit parties of the six realms and forms an alliance [with them]. The country of the Lord of the Mind and an uncreated happiness return and can be expected. The four types of dharmakayas and innumerable virtues are obtained by oneself in the present body. 307

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Also, on the virtues of receiving and chanting mantras, in the Yii chi'eh ching (Yugayugikyo; T. 18, No. 867: 260b) it is said that they are like all Buddha minds, like the nirmanakayas of all Buddhas, like one hundred thousand kotis of completely inexpressible Buddha relics, like the Buddha's mantras, and like the acts and thoughts of a Buddha. All deeds that are committed are like those of all Buddhas. Speech that is made, moreover, becomes a mantra, and the moving of limbs too becomes the binding of great mudras. That which is seen by the eye becomes the great Vajradhatu. That which is touched by the body becomes a maha-mudra. This is not the only textual evidence, but all of it is known by the one [example], I pray that wise people will not doubt this! 308

Chapter V

Briefly Cultivating One Practice

and Perfecting Many [Practices]

In cultivating the one practice of Amitabha, one anticipates present and future siddhis.

Question: The number of practices in the Shingon teaching is countless. Vajra[dhatu] and Garbha[dhatu] each have countless teachings and practices. In just entering one family of one world, the practices still thereby are countless. How much more the few practices of the three, five, or twenty-five families! How can they be cultivated? Moreover, if ne wants merely to cultivate one practice and one teaching, attain Buddhahood, and dwell in the Pure Land, does this go counter to the intention of the teaching? Answer: With all of them one cannot go counter to the intention of this teaching. The Vajrasekhara[-sutra\, the Mahdvairocana Sutra, and so on all explain this path. The faculties and varieties of iving beings are not the same. Some enter one teaching and the samadhi of one deity, [use] one mudra, one mantra, and one visualization, and attain siddhi. There is no [need for] discussion on the differences of the three periods, [those of] the correct teaching (True Dharma), the semblance teaching (Imitative Dharma), and [that of] the decadent [era] (Latter Dharma). The time when one cultivates these is the correct [time for realizing the] teaching. Siddhi does not choose a time. Faithful practice [chooses] the time.

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Chapter VI

Realizing the Three Highest

of the Nine Stages of Birth

in the Pure Land

This is to revere highly the wisdom and the vows of ahavairocana and to have deep faith in the basic vows of Amitabha. Moreover, it is not to abide in heterodox teachings. Ytieh-kai, the householder of Vaisali, and Vaidehi (in the Vimalakirtinirdesa-sutra, T. 12: 340c) attained birth in Amitabha's Pure Land in their present bodies, and Nagarjuna (T. 26: 43a; T. 25: 134b) and Dharmapala anticipated a subsequent future life in the Pure Land.

Question: With what mental vows does the yogin of intensive recitation and esoteric practice accomplish the great vow to be born in the Pure Land?

Answer: The four types of merit transference are the direct cause of birth in the Pure Land. The first is the recitation of the four boundless mantras [of kindness, sympathy, joy, and equanimity], With the merits [of the recitations] given to all living beings, together with the wish to be made equal to the four great bodhisattvas [Samantabhadra, Akasagarbha, Avalokitesvara, and Gaganaganja], this is the transference of the merit of this vow made with an utmost mind and profound faith. The second is, upon seeing the decay of the Buddhist teaching, to want to be made equal to the great vow of Kukai to restore the Buddhist teachings. This is the transference of the merit of this vow made with an utmost mind and profound faith. The third is, in order to make all living beings of the dharmadhatu realize the supreme end of great enlightenment, the transference of the merit of this vow made with an utmost mind and profound faith. The fourth is, in order 311

20c The Illuminating Secret Commentary

to make oneself and others have good faculties, to practice right mindfulness (samyaksmrti) on one's deathbed and to be reborn in Sukhavatl, the transference of the merit of this vow made with an utmost mind and profound faith.

Recite the nine syllables of the five cakras and simultaneously, on your deathbed, recite the four mantras and form the four mudras. Aspire to reach Sukhavatl and stop successive thoughts. One should then wait for the hour of death. This is the time when one is born into the Pure Land. The four mudras and mantras on the deathbed are the Vajranjali, the Vajra Bond, Opening the Mind, and Entering Wisdom. Each mantra is a secret practice for birth in the Pure Land.

Question: Which of the nine classes is the Shingon yogin who is born in Sukhavatl?

Answer: Most are of the three highest classes. In the Vairocanasamadhi-sutra (Sammajiho; T. 18: 331b) it says that they realize the stage of oy in the present world. The bodhisattva Nagarjuna realized the first stage of joy.

Question: How many deeds [lead] to birth in Sukhavatl? Answer: The three refuges and the five precepts are deeds [leading to] birth in Sukhavatl. The six paramitas, four dhyanas, ten virtues, contemplation of the absence of self, and so on are deeds [leading to] birth in Sukhavatl. Contemplation of the Four Noble Truths and the twelve links of dependent arising are deeds [leading to] birth in Sukhavatl. Yogins committed to [the welfare of] others, such as Dharmapala and Sllabhadra, were persons born in the Pure Land. Yogins with an unborn enlightened mind, such as Nagarjuna and Aryadeva, were persons born in the Pure Land. Yogins of the One Vehicle of the uncreated, in contemplating the three syllables a mr ta, contemplate sunyata, the provisional and middle [truths], Hui-tzu (515-577) and Chih i were persons born in the Pure Land. Yogins of the dharmadhatu with an absolute absence of a self-nature, such as [the third and fourth patriarchs 312

Chapter VI

of the Kegon (Hua-yen) school], Hsiang-hsiang (Fa-tsang) and Ch'ing-liang (Ch'eng-kuan), were persons born in the Pure Land. [In reference to the Land] Adorned with Mysteries, the yogins who inwardly realized the three mysteries were persons born in the Pure Land. Thus Jichie and Shinnen were first born in Sukhavati and afterward resided in the Tusita Heaven. [Although] miscellaneous studies confuse the mind, they do not [mean that one's] lifetime [has been lived in] vain. Rather, with the merit of the good seeds of miscellaneous studies transferred to Sukhavatl, one surely is born in the Pure Land of Laziness. By not returning to this corrupt world one proceeds to be born in Sukhavatl. If in one's own good faculties there arises a mind of doubt and confusion, and if the merit [of the good seeds] is transferred to Sukhavatl, then one is born in the vicinity of the Pure Land and proceeds to birth in Sukhavatl.

Question: Since the ten stages of the mind explained in the chapter on the stages of the mind in the Mahavairocana Sutra are in accord with both the superficial and the profound meanings of all the sutras and commentaries, are they also stages of sutras gradually realized by the yogin of Shingon practice? Answer: Truly they are stages of sutras gradually [realized] by the Shingon practitioner. At the same time they enable one to comprehend the superficial and profound meanings of the sutras and commentaries. The yogin with an enlightened and unborn mind rejects the eight things to be negated and ignorance, pursues the increasing clarity of the One Vehicle, witnesses the uncreated still light, and realizes the fundamental eternal mind. He abides eternally on Mount Grdhrakuta where the fire of the kalpa [of destruction] does not burn. Mandarava and manjusaka flowers fall day and night. One witnesses the bodhisattva Visuddhacaritra appearing from the earth. The sutras that are gradually realized are known naturally. Anyone who seeks enlightnment does not long entertain doubts. It is not like the separate teaching of the Tendai school, where there is a teaching but no person [who practices or realizes 313

The Illuminating Secret Commentary

it] (T. 46: 33a). For one who does not experience them, these states do not exist! The yogin of these practices always experiences the stages of the mind. It is like being in the first stage and turning to the second stage.

314

Chapter VII

Understanding Demons

and Their Pacification

There are four [kinds of] demons. The first are the subjects of ara. The second are the heretics. The third are evil demons. The fourth are evil spirits.

Demons specifically are called maras. They create obstructions and difficulties. In translation [mara] means "destroyer of the good." Those who hinder and destroy good works are called maras. Those who commit evil works are called heretics. Those who harm the body and prevent one from turning to the Buddhist path are called demons. Those who obstruct and destroy a good mind and make one abandon profundities are called evil spirits. These include those who manifest, as Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the two vehicles (the sravakayana and the pratyekabuddhayana), as gods, human beings, and so on, and as those who explain the Buddhist teachings in a way similar to [the expositions found in] the One Vehicle of the exoteric teaching and so on and drive away the practitioner. [They make one] abandon vigilant contemplations and practices and instantly switch to other practices. Immediately one attains vigor or instantly one is led to lassitude. Also, one takes delight in dhyana but also relishes debate. Such are the acts of these demons, though not always. The two volumes on demons in the [Maha]prajnaparamitd-sutra (T. 6: 541a) discuss the control and pacification of these [demons]. If the demons have the advantage, they can obstruct and destroy all the secular good of all Buddhist teachings and straightaway make one succumb to an evil destiny. Question: When such activities of the maras occur, how should they be pacified?

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Answer: There are four ways: pacification in accord with these as they arise, pacification through mutual opposition and contrast, pacification by both these actions, and pacification by neither. For the first pacification one should contemplate in this way: The constantly existing Buddha and Mara lands in all the three times are all the innate three mysteries of the dharmakaya. These three mysteries interpenetrate each other, are of one flavor, and are equal. The three mysteries of the maras and my three mysteries fundamentally are not two. Already there are no two natures. How can there be obstruction, since [their] three mysteries and [my] three mysteries fundamentally are equal and originally unborn? All Buddhas and all maras are the same dharmadhatu. The three mysteries of yoga interpenetrate each other. They are beyond harm, destruction, slander, and hatred. All wrathful deities are the incarnations of Vairocana manifested for pacifying evil persons. Actions and deportment are not without symbolic meaning. All sounds that occur are mantras. The meaning of thoughts is entirely the wisdom of dhyana. All features that can be loved, as is appropriate for whatever exists, are also the innate [Dharma wheel]-turning body of the Tathagata. Speech uttered is not without dharanls. Walking, standing, sitting, and lying down are all the features of mudras. Thoughts and learning also are wisdom and samadhi. These are called the features of pacification in accord with Esoteric Buddhism.

Second is pacification through mutual opposition and contrast. If the hands form a mudra, one can avert these. If one chants a dharani and is empowered, one can control these. If the mind contemplates wisdom, one destroys these. What is the method of contemplation? Stanzas say:

I am a reciter of dharanls. The demon is a kind of precept offender. All Buddhas, bodhisattvas, sravakas, sages, and the 316

Chapter VII

eight classes of good gods (yaksas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kimnaras, mahoragas, devas, and nagas), by protecting the keepers of the teaching, all fully protect me. Not even for a moment do they abandon one. Whenever an advantage is gained [by the demons], I am liable to be hindered in the true path. Demons arise from ignorance. From the start I have practiced the Buddhist path. The yogin is like a brilliant light. The activities of demons are like pitch-darkness. Thus light and darkness cannot coexist, just as fire consumes firewood. The activities of demons fundamentally are unborn. They are like an apparition or a dream. They resemble [imaginary] flowers in the sky. They are similar to the nonexistent hair of the tortoise. Darkness does not extinguish a brilliant light. How can error hinder the true path?

This is called pacification through opposition. Third is pacification by both these actions. The two, pacification through accord and through opposition, are used in this. Fourth is pacification through neither. A stanza says (T. 18: 331a), "All natures are fundamentally unborn. Their self-nature is beyond description. They are pure and not defiled. They are caused by actions and are like empty space." A verse of the Mahavairocana Sutra says (T. 18: 33c): Because the mind lacks self-nature, it is far beyond direct and immediate causes. It is free from the rise of action. Its origin is the same as empty space.

It also says (T. 18: 9b):

All destinies are merely designations. The Buddha signs are also such. All elements of the Buddha land originally are pure. The truth is constant, blissful, pure, and possessed of selfhood. The deeds of myself and demons and so on are absolutely empty and quiescent. Nowhere do they exist. They are without mindfulness or deliberation. They are without attachment. They do not increase or decrease. They are not 317

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The Illuminating Secret Commentary

that nor this. They are without essence, form, or function. They are not freed or hindered, and they are not destroyed. They lack selfhood and otherness. An empty sky is not obstructed by an empty sky. How could reality dispute with reality? 318

Chapter Vili

Attaining Buddhahood

and Practicing the Uncommon

in the Present Body

In general there are four different types of practice for realizing the stage of great enlightenment in the present body. These are the practice of mudras and mantras in unison with profound wisdom, the practice of mudras and mantras in unison with contemplation, the practice of mudras and mantras with earnest faith, and the practice in accord with one mystery leading to merits. As for the first practice, since an innerly realized profound wisdom is fully possessed in unison and one practices mudras and mantras well, one attains Buddhahood in the present body. As for the second, although there is no contemplation of profound wisdom, since one fervently forms mudras with the hands, chants mantras with the mouth, and contemplates in accord with one object among the three—[the written form of] a syllable, a mudra, or a form— one attains Buddhahood in the present body. With the third practice, although there is nothing like the above two kinds of wisdom or contemplation, since one has an earnest and deep faith and understanding, and one combines the forming of mudras and the chanting of mantras, naturally one quickly attains Buddhahood. As for the fourth practice, although it lacks the other two practices and is without profound wisdom, since one earnestly contemplates one meaning, understands one teaching, and attains a cultivated mind, one attains Buddhahood in the present body. Even if, further, this lacks the wisdom of one teaching and the other two practices, with an earnest faith in the teaching one contemplates the form of one syllable and attains Buddhahood; one contemplates the symbolic 319

The Illuminating Secret Commentary

2ic form of one seal (mudra) and attains Buddhadhood; one contemplates one feature of the form of one deity and attains Buddhahood. Furthermore, although one lacks other practices, should one merely recite one mantra or one syllable, one attains Buddhahood. Also, by forming a mudra, although there is no other secret practice, since there is a unity, certainly one attains Buddhahood in the present body. In general, these are explained in this way. Question: At the moment of attaining perfect enlightenment, is Buddhahood attained on account of the three mysteries being in unison, or what should be said to be the reason? Answer: When perfect enlightenment is attained, always Buddhahood is attained in the present body because the three mysteries are in unison.

Question: If it is said that Buddhahood is attained in the present body because the three mysteries are in unison, what should be said to be the reason?

Answer: Whenever one attains Buddhahood by relying on two practices or on one practice and so on, this is not an instance of attaining perfect enlightenment. However, since there is a mysterious power of empowerment, suddenly the other two mysteries are manifested [even if only one is cultivated]. Then the three mysteries are attained and one attains Buddhahood in the present body. Question: What sutras, commentaries, or the like explain the meaning of attaining Buddhahood in the present body? Answer: They are as explained in [Kukai's] Sokushinjobutsugi 0The Meaning of ecoming a Buddha in This Very Body). 320

Chapter IX

The Differences of People Converted

According to Their Faculties

Those converted according to their faculties generally are of two types. First are those born in the Pure Land in the present body. Second are those born in the Pure Land immediately after death. Among those born [in the Pure Land] in the present body there are again two differences. First are those with great faculties who attain Buddhahood in the present body. Second are those with small faculties who attain Buddhahood in the present body. Also, in each of these two there are two, since there are differences between the keen-witted and the slow-witted.

Those who are keen-witted and have great endowments directly enter the samadhi of the dharmadhatu essence, broadly contemplate the dharmadhatu, and attain Buddhahood in the present body. That is, all living beings are innate[ly enlightened] and correspond naturally to the great mind of enlightenment of Samantabhadra. The innate syllable A is the essence, the object contemplated. The originally unborn wisdom is the essence, the subject contemplating. Subject and object are of one essence, and the mind is a single pure realm. To realize the originally unborn principle is to sever the path of speech. To realize the originally unborn principle is to obtain freedom from all offenses. To realize the originally unborn principle is [to know] that karmic causes are incomprehensible. To realize the originally unborn principle is [to know] that equality with space is incomprehensible. When one realizes the principle of sunyata—that subject and object are of one essence, that is, that the subject of contemplation is the undivided mind of causes and that the object of contemplation is the single sphere of 321

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22a the syllable's features—then one attains Buddhahood in the present body. This is called the samadhi of one of great faculties and broad contemplation.

Those of great faculties but dull talents eventually enter the samadhi of the dharmadhatu essence and contemplate the seedsyllables of the five innate cakras. These five syllables are the fifteen types of vajra samadhis (T. 18: 911a). One syllable is fifteen syllables and fifteen syllables are one syllable. One syllable is five syllables. In this syllable contemplate eight teachings. One syllable embraces many teachings. Many syllables unite in one teaching. One syllable clarifies many teachings. Many syllables clarify one teaching. One syllable perfects many teachings. Many syllables perfect one teaching. One syllable destroys many teachings. Many syllables destroy one teaching. If they practice this successive contemplation twelve times in the twelve sequences, each syllable contemplated is consumed in the source of samsara. If they practice [twelve times] a reverse contemplation in the twelve reversals, each syllable contemplated reaches the principle of nirvana. This principle is the fundamentally unborn. By entering the fifteen vajra samadhis, they can contemplate the fundamentally unborn absolute principle, and subject and object alike are extinguished. Because the syllable A is fundamentally unborn, the speech of the syllable va is incomprehensible. Since linguistic expression is impossible, the impurity and purity of the syllable ra is incomprehensible. Since freedom is attained, the karmic causes of the syllable ha are incomprehensible. Since no-self is obtained, the equality with space of the syllable kha is incomprehensible. When the head and the tail alike cease and one realizes the innate mind, Buddhahood is attained in the present body. This is called a gradual contemplation. The above alike are faculties of the Lord of the Mind. The keen-witted with small faculties follow different objects of worship, which represent mental attributes. Briefly interpreted, in reference to the yogin of Avalokitesvara, the nine types of innate hrih syllables are the seed-syllables of the innate Avalokitesvara of all living beings. Based on the principle that shame 322

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is incomprehensible, they believe in an innate, pure, unstained, and wonderful lotus and realize the lotus flower. During the four periods they do not cease cultivation of the three mysteries. Dwelling on the mudra of opening the lotus flower and chanting the mantra om vajra dharma hrih, they dwell on the principle that shame is incomprehensible and realize the innate enlightened lotus. This is called attainment of Buddhahood in the present body by those who contemplate with small faculties. The dull-witted with small faculties enter the lotus samadhi and contemplate the four syllables ha, ra, i, and ah. During the four periods in such a superior samadhi they must not neglect even momentarily these four kinds of majestic [syllables]. In this life they gradually traverse the sixteen great bodhisattva stages; develop the humble and pure mind of enlightenment; traverse the stages of Vajrasattva, Vajraraja, Vajraraga, and Vajrasadhu; contemplate the meaning of the thought of enlightenment—ha, ra, i, and ah; and realize these four types of stages. Next, they cultivate the four types of enlightened practices. They traverse the stages of Vajraratna, Vajrateja, Vajraketu, and Vajrahasa and realize the principles of the syllables ha, ra, i, and ah. Next, they cultivate four kinds of wisdom. They traverse the stages of Vajradharma, Vajratiksna, Vajrahetu, and Vajrabhasa and attain the wisdom of the syllables ha, ra, i, and ah. Next, they cultivate four kinds of vigor. They traverse the states of Vajrakarma, Vajraraksa, Vajrayaksa, and Vajrasandhi and attain four actions. In sixteen lives they manifest the innate lotus of the mind. First they realize the lotus samadhi and then they exercise expedient means, that is, they become Mahavairocana Buddha. The other deities are also treated just as Avalokitesvara has been discussed. Question: In considering the conventional Shingon yogin as well as the pious and the reciter [of mantras], they are not all necessarily born in the Pure Land. How should we use the mind hereafter so as to fulfill the vow to be born in the Pure Land? You have explained already that chanting one [time] or ten [times] is the 323

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immediate cause for birth in the Pure Land. For a man or woman with a mind, what stops the thought to be born in the Pure Land? Answer: There are many direct and indirect causes [for birth in the Pure Land]. One should use the mind skillfully. Some cultivate Shingon practice. Others succeed merely by chanting the Buddha's name. They consider other people seeing and hearing [the Buddha] but lack faith in the wisdom of the Buddha. This practice is not a direct cause [for birth in the Pure Land], Some seek the respect of other people and undergo painful practices for the future. This also is not a direct cause. Others, for wealth and honor, chant the Lotus Sutra and so on. This also is not a direct cause. Others, for fame, abide by the precepts, but again this is not a direct cause. Some maintain that they are right and others wrong. This also is not a direct cause. Some learned persons say (T. 31: 408c, 103b), "The direct causes of ten chants are the intention of a different time." One should realize that this is the same as slandering the Vaipulya sutras and again is not a direct cause. Some adopt for themselves but not for others exoteric or esoteric practices, but this is not a direct cause. Yogins of Amitabha and Maitreya are antagonistic to each other. This is the karmic cause for falling into hell. This is like the bodhisattvas who discuss the two truths (provisional and absolute). If one knows such uses of the mind, who is not born in the Pure Land?

The great master [Kukai] said, "Ignorance and enlightenment exist in me. Nothing is grasped or attained" (Jujushinron, Kobo Daishi zenshu 1:129).

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Giving Questions and Answers

and Resolving Doubts

Question: Based on the teaching of the five cakras, how many types of talented individuals are there?

Answer: There are two kinds of talented individuals. The first are those of superior ability and wisdom who anticipate attaining Buddhahood in the present body. The second merely have faith and superficial practice and anticipate being bom in the Pure Land immediately after death. In reference to these practitioners also there are many types. They truly dwell in the Pure Land Adorned with Mysteries. Altogether, they hope for the pure lands in the ten directions.

Question: Why does chanting [the] Mahavairocana [mantra] become the immediate cause for [birth into] the pure lands in the ten directions?

Answer: This mantra of five syllables is the dharani of all the Buddhas in the ten directions. It is the heart of eings in the three times. Thus by chanting this mantra, in accord with one's thoughts one attains birth in the pure lands in the ten directions as well as in Maitreya's abode and the caverns of the asuras and so on. Likewise, the mantra practitioner of the nine syllables, in the phrase namo amitabhaya buddhaya, does not conceive superficial or fleeting thoughts. When one enters the Shingon teaching, all words are mantras. How much more so [the word] Amida (Amitabha)? Those who utter this, by the practice of these three syllables, encompass all practices. In brief, the three families (i.e., Buddha, Lotus, and Vajra Families) are encompassed, causing knowledge of all deities. 325

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A, a, am, ah. The first syllable is enlightenment, which forms the cause. The next two syllables are great compassion, which form the root. The final syllable is expedient means, which forms the ultimate purpose.

Ma, ma, mam, mah. The first syllable forms the cause. The next two syllables form the root. The final syllable forms the ultimate purpose.

Va, va, vam, vah. This is divided into three parts as above. All of these are the basic seed-syllables of all Buddhas, bodhisattvas, vajradharas, devas, and so on. Since these syllables have four variations (cause, practice, realization, and entrance into nirvana), they also have three parts. These immeasurable three parts are all the direct cause for birth in the Pure Land immediately after death. Question: All teachings also make birth in the Pure Land dependent on the cultivation of the three acts [of body, speech, and mind]. What is the meaning of being endowed with the three mysteries in this Dharma?

[Answer:] The three mysteries of the dharma[kaya\ Buddha are extremely profound and subtle. Even the wonderfully enlightened of Exoteric Buddhism do not know these. The six elements of the wisdom body are extremely mysterious and vast. The perfectly enlightened of the Esoteric school alone can realize these. The Buddha of calm illumination of the uncreated single path frightens, exhorts, and abandons speech. The deity with Indra's jeweled net, originally enlightened regarding the three natures (in the Kegon school: essence, characteristic, and function), shows respect, abandons its realization, and seeks for true enlightenment. The samhhogakaya Buddha Tathagata is silent and does not answer. The nirmanakaya Sugata keeps the secret and does not talk. The enlightened who occupy the abode of a future Buddha are perplexed by this realm. The bearer of the light of the teaching (Mahakasyapa) also is distant from this realm. [As] the substance of forms is the mystery of the body, active and still postures are the secret mudras. [As] the sounds of the voice are all the mystery of speech, coarse 326

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and trifling words are mantras. [As] all impure and pure mental perceptions are the mystery of the mind, all deluded and enlight- ened discriminations are wisdoms. [As] spoken and silent feelings and thoughts are also the mystery of thoughts, they are endowed with a complete mandala that encompasses the dharmadhatu. [As] phenomena and noumena fundamentally are not two, improper and proper contemplations are samadhis. [As] form and mind themselves do not differ, they are completely fused and interpenetrate like empty space. The esoteric practices are not meant to be seen and heard [by all]. The secret teachings must not be transmitted recklessly. Superficial wisdom overflows and is expressed because it lacks blessings. Inferior wisdom, similarly, is disputed because it has faults. [For those] without faculties the [treasure] chest is hidden at the bottom of the spring. Since the lack of faith certainly is the cause for the destruction of truth, [for those] without ability speech is locked in the throat. The birth of doubts always is the cause for falling into hell, so it is not that I selfishly wish to keep the proverbial sword from the child, but fear and erroneous thoughts injure life. Do not conceal yoga from the exoteric person. Without unbiased faith, one only invites calamities. Do not neglect and do not make light of the gems of the three families. One should respect and honor the value of the three mysteries. The power to take refuge is to enter deeply into the ocean of the lotus of the mind. To have great faith is to look up mysteriously at the enlightened moon in the sky.

[End of] The Illuminating Secret Commentary

on the Five Cakras and the Nine Syllables

in one chiian (fascicle)

The above text contains many references to initiations. Those not initiated, if apprenticed to a teacher, may be shown these. Among these, the secret meaning of the five organs is a great topic. Study this well and cultivate [the practices].

Now, after recording this secret commentary, I entered samadhi. Suddenly Hoshobo (Acarya Kyojin) appeared and said: 22c

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