What are the benefits and meanings of Bodhisattva Vajrasattva Mantra?
Introduction
Vajrasattva mantra for purification is also known as the 100 Syllable Mantra.
This mantra is usually repeated 100,000 times with the intention of purifying the negative karma of the individual reciting it. This mantra is considered the quintessence of all mantras.
Vajrasattva (Tib. Dorje Sempa) is a bodhisattva in the Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhist traditions.
Bodhisattva Vajrasattva’s name translates to ”Thunderbolt Mind” or ”Diamond Mind.”
He is the sovereign lord of all the mandalas of the Diamond Vehicle. To meditate on Bodhisattva Vajrasattva is the same as to meditate upon all the Buddhas.
Iconography
He is frequently portrayed as a white Buddha figure, seated in meditation, holding a Dorje and a bell.
The bell represents wisdom, and the Dorje represents infinite compassion or skillful means.
Additionally, He is depicted with different consorts, such as Vajrabhrikuti, the peaceful one Vajragarvi aka Vajrasattvatmika, Ghantapani, Dharmadhatvishvari, the wrathful one Diptacakra, Vajratopa, and others.
Dorje Sempa mantra lyrics:
”Om Benza Sato Samaya, Manu Palaya
Benza Sato Tei No Pa, Tisthira Dridho Me Bawa
Suto Khayo Mei Ba Wa, Anu Rakto Me Ba Wa, Su Po Khayo Mei Ba Wa
Sar Wa Siddhi Mei Pra Yatsa, Sarwa Karma Sutsa Me,
Tsi Tam Shri Yam Kuru Hung, Ha Ha Ha Ha Ho Bagawan
Sarwa Tathagata Hri Daya, Benza Ma Mei Muntsa
Benzi Bhawa Maha Samaya Sato Ah.”
One hundred-syllable mantra translation and meaning:
”You, Vajrasattva, have generated the holy mind according to your pledge. Your holy mind is enriched with the simultaneous holy actions of releasing transmigratory beings from samsara.
Whatever happens in my life, happiness or suffering, good or bad, with a pleased, holy mind, never give up, but please guide me.
Please stabilize all happiness, including the happiness of the upper realms, actualize all actions and sublime and common realizations, and please make the glory of the five wisdoms abide in my heart.”
As with any mantra, there are many levels to the meaning of the mantra. Thus, one should not become fixated upon any one translation of the mantra.
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In Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist practice, the Vajrasattva mantra is used in the Ngondro, or preliminary practices, in order to dissolve and purify the mind’s defilements, prior to undertaking more esoteric tantric techniques.
Chanting the 100-syllable mantra brings great benefit to the practitioner and has the effect of deluded habitual tendencies, clearing obstacles, conflicting negative emotions, negative habits of all kinds, and unresolved karmic debts.
To achieve the realization of Bodhisattva Vajrasattva is to achieve the qualities of all the Buddhas. Moreover, the one hundred-syllable mantra is the hundred peaceful and wrathful deities in the form of sound.
The practice of Vajrasattva’s mantra includes the “Four Powers.”
While chanting the one hundred-syllable mantra and visualizing Vajrasattva above the crown of one’s head, the practitioner alternately contemplates these as the way to purify obscurations. The Four Powers are:
- The power of the object, that is the reliance on the bodhisattva as the refuge.
- The power of the release, which signifies the desire to cleanse oneself of negativity, involves reflection on mistakes and faults that we wish to purify.
- The power of remedy, which entails the repetition of the mantra and visualizing the descent of the white light from the bodhisattva into you.
- The power of indestructible determination, which is the firm resolve to never repeat such speech, thoughts, or actions again.
Note
If one wishes to undertake this purification practice on a regular basis, receiving empowerment, a reading transmission, and instructional teachings from a qualified Buddhist teacher are necessary prerequisites.
Nevertheless, if an individual aspires to engage in this practice of purification, one may chant the mantra until such time that empowerment can be received.
FAQ
What is the power of the Vajrasattva mantra?
The primary power of the Vajrasattva mantra comes from its ability to purify negative karma. Chanting the mantra with sincere intent allows practitioners to clear away past mistakes and negative actions, opening the pathway to spiritual enlightenment.
Image source – Denis Dymov/Shutterstock.com
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Irina is a co-founder and author at AwakeningState.com, an online magazine launched in 2016 that aims to expand consciousness every day. Offering eye-opening articles on a range of topics, Irina strives to provide unique insights into personal growth, covering areas such as spiritual awakening, health, lifestyle, nature, and science.