This sect is called Secret Buddhism or Secret Doctrine for the following reasons:
I. The Founder of Secret Buddhism.The secret founder of this religious sect is not Sakyamuni Buddha, as many people have wrongly believed. It is the Creator or the Supreme Universal Ruler known as the Great Sun Buddha or Mahavairocana Buddha (Sanskrit). Who is He? The various Buddhist sects of the Great Vehicle system and the Secret sect have explained that the Buddha has three Bodies: The Dharma Body (law, doctrine), The Precious (or Bliss) Body, and the Incarnate (or transformation) Body.
1. The DHARMA BODY. In Sanskrit, Vairocana Buddha, the Great Sun Buddha, symbolizes the personality of Truth, which is as brilliant as the sun in the infinite space. He resides in the magnificent world of beautiful flowers weaved by thousands of lotus petals (Kusukatala. Garba, Vyu Halamkara, Lokadhatu). In the tradition of the Great Vehicle Buddhist School, the Dharma Body taught the scriptures of superior knowledge such as the Avatamkara and Brahmajala Sutra to high ranking Bodhisattvas only. They are the only ones who can hear and see the Creator's manifestation of the Truth. His world is called the Land of Permanently Still Light.
The Dharma Body (Dharmakaya or Dharmata) is also the nature of all Buddhas (Buddhata) and all beings. All doctrines come from the Dharma Body. Without the Dharma Body, the universe does not exist. In this sense, the Dharma is the essential nature of all things that exist. This is illustrated by a saying from a Zen monk: "The real nature of the Dharma Body of the Buddha can be compared to infinite space, from which all things reflect themselves like the moon reflects itself in the water". " Greenish bamboos are Dharma Body, the multitude of yellow flowers are Prajnas (wisdom)".
As such, the Secret Buddhism Foundation is compatible with the religious foundations of other religions. That foundation is the Truth of Truth (satyasya satyan).
All religious philosophies point to a unique understanding of the basic principle of the universe. That principle is the mysterious power of heaven and earth, which also lies deep in the human's subconscious. It is the inability to understand this principle that leads human beings to miseries. To be saved one must discover, understand and becomes one nature with it . This is also the basis of all sciences. How is it done? For this question, every religion has different answers and different solutions. However, all the solutions have lead to a unique foundation, which is a moral and spiritual life that conforms to the Way and to the Truth.
That principle is the supreme and ultimate reality that is experienced in the Brahman of the Vedanta philosophy, God of Christianity, Allah of Islam, Jehovah of Judaism, Heaven by the Vietnamese, and Dharma or The Great Sun Buddha of Secret Buddhism.
2. THE PRECIOUS BODY (Sambhogakaya) is also called the Bliss body. It is the spiritual self of Bodhisattvas, enjoyed by the Bodhisattvas as the result of successful practice of virtues. This result is attained over three kalpa (a very long period of time) During which time and under the law of karma, all errors and wrongdoings were totally erased.
3. THE INCARNATE BODY, or manifestation Body (Nirmanakaya) comes from the great compassion (Mahakarana) of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas upon mankind. The Bodhisattvas do not enjoy the results of their good deeds but want to share them with mankind. The Bodhisattvas will not hesitate to suffer in the place of sentient beings, or to give out their merits to enlighten them if it is possible to do so. They would go through difficulties for the sake of humanity in their Incarnate Body. The Incarnate Body can self-divide into hundred of thousands of appearances. The Bodhisattva can incarnate as insects, worms, saints or devils depending on the required situation, so to save people from ignorance, sorrows and of all kinds of life's pollutions.
The following stories illustrate the notion of the Incarnate Body.
Japanese literature has the legend of Fugen Bodhisattva's manifestation of a Geisha. Her name is Goddess Eguchi. She was contemporary of Saigyo, a Zen master and a poet monk in the years of Kamakura. On his religious mission, Saigyo arrived in Osaka when darkness fell, and had no place to stay for the night. He came to Eguchi's home, but she refused to let him in, saying that she was by herself. Monk Saigyo wrote this stanza for her:
If I was still attached to this world,
Your heart might be hard
Why must you reject me?
It's only a night in this illusory world.
Egchi's action was not to reject or to give the monk a difficult time. It was only to preserve his reputation. Then, the goddess Eguchi disappeared. The traveling monk could still hear the echo of a woman's voice surfing on the waves of Yodo. Looking up, Saigyo saw Fugen Bodhisattva on a white elephant escorted by Deities disappear slowly in the bright clouds.
This is another legend of Kwan Yin Bodhisattva in China. In the Tang Dynasty, Yuan He (806-820 A.D), there was a beautiful girl in the community of Shan You. She was much sought after for marriage by many men. She gave the candidates a condition that they must memorize the Kwan Yin Lotus Sutra within one afternoon. The next morning, twenty men were successful doing this. She told them that she would marry the one who can memorize the Vajracchedika Sutra overnight. For this request, ten men were successful. That was still too many for the marriage. She then gave her third condition that is to memorize the seven books of the Lotus Sutra in just three days. A man named Ma Lang was the only one successful and so she promised to be his wife. Just as the wedding ceremony was starting, she suddenly became ill, her beauty faded away and she died right in front of the guests. A monk attending her funeral saw her bones became pure gold. He told the guests that she was not an ordinary person of this world. She had manifested herself by the Upaya method of Bodhisattva because she wanted to convert them. As the monk finished his speech, he flew up toward the sky and vanished.
Hieun-Tsang was a virtuous monk in China on his way to India to get the scriptures. He always recited the Prajna Paramita Sutra when he encountered adversities like snowstorms, tornados, or wild animals. It was said that Kwan Yin Bodhisattva appeared to Hieun-Tsang in the form of a sick monk and recited the Prajna Paramita Sutra to comfort him in his distress. Thanks to his utmost devotion and compliance to her advice, he finally reached his aspired destination.
Regarding the doctrine of the "Three Bodies", other sects of Buddhism say that "The Great Sun Buddha" is the Dharma appearance that has no physical appearance, therefore he does not preach the Dharma. Only the Precious and the Incarnate form, such as Sakyamuni Buddha has a physical body and it is he that preaches the Dharma.
According to Secret Buddhism the Dharma Body directly teaches, but the audience lack ears to hear, eyes to see, or intelligence to understand the doctrine. The Three Secrets of Vairocana Buddha will always remain secret if there is no means to convey it. Such a means to convey the secrets starts with "the supernatural Force"(Adhistana); not by the limited effort of the practitioner.
II. Adhistana.Adhistana is translated in ancient Chinese as a spiritual force, a supernatural force, or the 'giving-upholding' force. It is the ability, the will, and the mind energy emanating from a great personality, either human or God.
As long as we remain on the plane of transcendental knowledge (jnana) the world does not seem to be very real as its maya (illusory) like existence in which it presents itself to jnana is too vapory. However, when we come to the Adhistana aspect of Bodhisattvahood, we feel as if we have taken hold of something solid and altogether sustaining. This is where life starts to have its meaning. To live ceases to be the mere blind assertion of a primitive urge, for Adhistana is another name for Pranidhana (the Bodhisattva-Vow) or it is that spiritual power emanating from the Vows which constitutes with jnana (the higher knowledge) the essence of Bodhisattva hood.
The help of the Buddha through Adhistana is for all. A Bodhisattva with the vow to safeguard all is always behind the spiritual force. His spiritual eyes can see through the nature of all existing forms. The vow of protection and preservation are the will, the compassion and the desire to save the world. Pranidhana nature is the will, the love, and the hope. It is also called Infinite Jewels. (Aksaya).
Wisdom and Vow are the necessary factors establishing Bodhisattvas or Buddhahood. With wisdom (jnana) we climb and reach the summit of the thirty-three heavens. Sitting quietly we watch the underworld and its doings as if they were clouds moving underneath the feet. They are the whirling masses of commotion, but they do not touch one who is above them. The world of wisdom is transparent, luminous and eternally serene. But the Bodhisattva would not remain in this state of eternal contemplation above the world of particulars and of struggles and sufferings. For his heart aches at the sight. He is now determined to descend into the tempestuous mass of existence. With His Vow (Pranidhana), Bodhisattva's supernatural power (Adhistana) will be transmitted to whomever pray to Him. All the means (Upaya) will be created to save those who are under the control of ignorance and blind ambitions. (Foundation of Tibetan Mysticism-Lama Anagarika Govinda)
Pranidhana is another aspect of Adhistana. It is similar to a ladder or a rope connecting the Bodhisattva to sentient beings (Sarvasatta). This is the origin of the Incarnate Buddha (Nirmanakaya), also called Vikurvita in many Great Vehicle Buddhist sutra meaning Solemn Supernatural Transformation.
The supernatural power is mentioned in "Gardavyuha" or "Avatamsaka", both are in the Hoa Yen Sutra in China (Ke Gon Kyo (Jap.). The sutras was lectured when Buddha first attained enlightenment and went into samadhi. Gandavyuha Sutra related in details the story of Sudhana under the guidance of Manjuri (Mondjoubosatsu. (Jap.) or Samantabhadra Bodhisattva(sansk.)).
Kumera Sudhana, a pious young pilgrim, went from one teacher to another to seek the supreme teaching. So far he had visited over fifty spiritual teachers. Finally he came to Bodhisattva Maitreya. Sudhana implored to learn directly from Bodhisattva Maitreya, who praised him for his pious devotion in the search of the ultimate Dharma. Bodhisattva Maitreya opened the door of the " majestic Vairo" palace by flicking his fingernail. Sudhana earnestly walked in.
The power of Bodhisattva Maitreya let Sudhana see an amazing scene. A majestic palace as large as boundless space appeared in front of him. Its ground paved with countless various jades, and in the center there were many magnificent palaces built with seven types of precious stones. There were countless banners and streamers, precious hangings, embroideries, curtains, flowers, birds, and rare plants. The whole scenery inspired respect and admiration. The palaces in the center were as splendid as the main monument.
The objects were arranged so that their mutual separateness does not exist, as if they were all fused, but each retaining their individuality. This is not only in specific quarters, but also everywhere else in the palace, so that there was a fluid mutual inter-reflection of images. Sudhana even saw himself in all of the stories and all of the palaces at the same time. At the same time he saw all the scenes and the time and place of different events in Maitreya Buddha's life: From the time Buddha gave the vows to attain the supreme Way to the time Buddha reached the tenth spiritual stages and was recognized by the Tathagata (the supreme Buddha) for his success.
Sudhana continued to see, in each of the palaces, Bodhisattva being asked by the Regent of the world to guide all beings to practice the Ten Good Deeds, by the Guardian of the World to benefit all beings, by Sakra to scold the instinct of desire and passion in all beings, by Brahma to praise countless blessings from meditation virtue, by Yama to praise countless blessings brought from practicing Samadhi, by Tusita to praise the merits of the Bodhisattva who soon will become Buddha in one more birth, by Nirmata to appear under various incarnations for celestial beings, by Casavartin to teach the Dharma to his assistant Deities.
Sudhana continued to see Bodhisattva Maitreya in Mara's appearance (King of Devil) preaching the temporary nature of all doctrines. He saw Bodhisattva lecture to Brahma about meditation and its countless happiness's, he saw the Bodhisattva dive under the sea of Great Intelligence (Maha Prajna) for Asma to understand the illusory nature of all doctrines, and for Asma and his army to get rid of all arrogance, all stupidities and all passions. He saw the Bodhisattva shining his Great Light in the realm of death and save beings from the miseries of hell. He saw Him in the realm of ghosts giving food to save them from hunger and thirst. He saw Him in the animal world using every ways to subdue them. He saw Him teaching the doctrine to the assembly of celestial beings in the guardian worlds: Tushita, Yama, Nirmita, Savartin and Maha-Brahma; to the assembly of Dragon Kings: Naga, Yaksa, Raksa, Gandhara, Asura, Garuda, Kinnara, Maharaya, to human (Manusya) and non-human beings and to the learned assembly of the Hearers (Sraavaka) and the Self-Enlightened (Pratyeka). He saw Bodhisattva from the time of his original vow to the time he attained the fruit of Buddhahood.
He saw Bodhisattva Maitreya along with other future Buddhas, praising the Abhisekha power of all the Buddhas, and Demonstrating the power of transformation in the Samadhi state (deep meditation leading to a trance state).
Sudhana saw another palace, outstanding in its vastness and splendor, with extremely attractive decorations located in the center of the inner palace and within the Vairo palaces. In this awesome palace, Sudhana could see the three celestial worlds composed of zillions of heavens of Tusita's world, all in a blink of an eye. In those worlds, he could see Sakra, Brahma and other celestial Deities prostrating before Bodhisattva Maitreya at his birth on earth.
Sudhana also saw countless Bodhisattvas in myriads worlds, walking, sitting, working, giving alms, writing essays, receiving essays from their masters and safeguarding them for future generation to help sentient beings. Other Bodhisattvas were copying, reading, reciting prayers of repentance three times a day, exchanging their merits for enlightenment, or prostrating in homage's to pray for all beings.
He also saw innumerable suns, moons, stars, and constellations shining in ten directions. He saw Bodhisattvas Maitreya practicing Bodhisattva's virtues in the past, giving away his own body or his possessions, liberating beings that were imprisoned in misery, setting free those in bondage, eliminating illnesses, and guiding lost souls back to the right way. He also saw Bodhisattva as a steerman, taking people across the sea to safety, as a chariot puller, pulling them out of dangers. As a great philosopher, he was teaching all the various essays. As a king, the Bodhisattva practiced the Ten Good Deeds furthermore encouraged people to do the same. When he was a physician he cured all diseases. He was a dutiful son to his father and as a friend he was a loyal one. Sudhana could see unlimited powers of transformations thanks to having the spiritual eyes of a tenth rank Bodhisattva, and especially the Adhistana of Bodhisattva Maitreya.
Thus, by definition from the Great Vehicle Buddhist School, Adhistana is the secret power from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It it expressed through the body, the speech, and the mind of human beings, thanks to Abhisekha, a Secret Doctrine tool for transmission.
Thanks to this secret magic power, one will come to know the feelings of Buddha and the state of "Buddha in me, me in Buddha". One will also be able to attain Buddha's rank in this physical body.
Secret Buddhism has two kinds of doctrines: The obvious teachings of the Theravada Buddhist Sect (also called Small Vehicle School or Hinayana) and the secret teachings of the Secret Sect (Vajrayana or tantric).
The obvious teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha (the Incarnate and Precious Bodies) were taught step by step to the people, depending on their level of development.
The Secret Sect deals with miracles and secret doctrines. These were taught only to Bodhisattvas, who have enough intellectual ability to understand the teachings from the Dharma Body. Vajrasattva was the Bodhisattva who had received the miraculous power of the Dharma Buddha through Abhisekha ritual.
III. Abhisekha – (Guan Ding - Initiation or empowerment ceremony)By Indian tradition, Abhisekha, the empowerment ceremony, is done by pouring water on the crown. When the prince succeeded the throne, the king used water from four seas or rivers, contained in four precious vases, which he successively sprinkled on the prince's crown. Then the king proclaimed three times that the prince has received his title and the power to govern the people in the four directions of the earth.
By Secret Buddhism, 'Guan' is using the Compassion Water or the Great Compassion Light of the Buddhas to give blessings. 'Ding' means to reward by promoting one to a higher position. The Secret sect uses "Quan Ding" as a means to help the practitioner receive the spiritual power of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
There are 4 levels of Quan Ding (Abhisekha):1. Receiving the Vow AbhisekhaWhen the student follows the Acarya (spiritual teacher) to learn the doctrine of the Three Secrets, he receives the "Vow Abhisekha" and becomes bonded with the Buddha's Path. From then on his bad karma will gradually be eliminated.
2. Career AbhisekhaWith this Abhisekha, one receives all of the different levels of abhisekhas rituals to become a master of Abhisekha.
It is written in the "Vairocana Sutra": "Vajrasattva! (The Diamond-Hand Bodhisattva), if you see anyone having an inborn spiritual ability and who meets the criteria of having deep knowledge and belief, of being detached from the world, of being diligent and hard working and who often thinks of benefiting others, say to him: " This is the Dharma, the true doctrine of the Great Vehicle Buddhist School that I only explain to the one who has affinity with the Great Vehicle system. You should use your intelligence as a way to attain Buddhahood and you will certainly succeed".
The Vajrasekhara Sutra says: "If the Acarya sees anyone who could implement the doctrine, one who is simple, honest, courteous, intelligent, and also has solid faith, even if he does not seek the doctrine out or enter any religious school, the Abhisekha master should tell him: " The rites of the secret Sutra of the Great Vehicle Buddhism is rarely heard of. If you want to achieve the genuine wisdom of Buddha, you must devote yourself practicing this doctrine to attain the supreme seed of intelligence of this world."
3. Secret AbhisekhaWhen the Acarya cannot perform all the rites of Abhisekha due to lack of time, he should instead perform the Secret Abhisekha. During this ritual, all the Buddhas would pat the receiver's head with their hands.
4. Holy water AbhisekhaDuring this ritual the Acarya uses water in five vases to pour on the student's head. At the same time, the Buddhas use the Holy Water Of Intelligence to pour on him. By doing so, all the bad karmas of the receiver will be eliminated and he will gradually attain salvation.
IV. Magic Symbols: Dharani (Mystic formula-Mantra) Yantra (seals) –Mudra (fingers code)1. Dharani: To maintain, to maintain all, or the ability to maintain. In this sense it is to maintain all the connections from Heaven, to collect good doctrines, and to protect the good seeds. Having the patience and strong will to face the challenges in this life and in future lives is the main definition of Dharani. Dharani is also the ability to conceal. It is the energy to conceal bad seed and wrong thoughts and to stop them from developing. Dharani is therefore a supporting force, a perfect tool to facilitate meditation by eliminating the mind's turmoil.
There are four types of Dharani:
- Literature Dharani – Helps to always remember Buddha's doctrine. (Buddha dharma)
- Meaningful Dharani – Helps to remember the logical meaning of Buddha's doctrine.
- Mantra Dharani or True Words Dharani - Helps to eliminate all wicked actions, sorrows and obstacles from the mind. The Mantra Dharani goes together with Yantra and Mudras. Dharani is the mystery of words. Mudra is the mystery of the body. Yantra is the mystery of the Mind.
- Essence Dharani or the Highest Dharani of Secret Buddhism - At this stage, the person becomes the true nature of various virtues: endurance, peace, and detachment from the body and mind. In this sense, Dharani has become Nirvana.
The Mantra Dharani and the Essence Dharani are the tools of the Secret Buddhism, while the Literature and Meaningful Dharani belong to the Hinayana Buddhism.
The followers of Secret Buddhism recite the powerful mantras transmitted by the tantric Adept, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Shingon sect (True Words sect) pays special importance to the magical force of mantras, which are the summary and the essentials of magical formulas.
Dharani originated in India and was handed down over thousands of years in Sanskrit. It was not translated to native language for fear of losing its power. The mantra represents the miraculous and active energies in the cosmos condensed into one sentence.
Being completely proficient, the masters arduously gather and re-arrange these powerful energies to give to the disciples. Magic formulas are also symbols representing the promises of Buddha and other divinities to save anyone devoted to walk on the Virtue Path. This is the Power of the Vow that the Buddhas left behind before they departed this world. Anyone who recites the magic formula and commits to practicing Buddhas' virtues will have this supernatural force. We recite the mantra to ask Buddha and the saints to support and protect us, and to respectfully invite divinities to come to our assistance.
2. The Ritual Mudra.The Mudra is related to the mystery of the body. The hands and fingers form the Execution Seal symbol, thus establishing a secret contact with the divinities and the Buddhas, the source of all magical power. Forming the Seal symbol is like drawing the cosmos into one's palm. The thumb indicates space, the forefinger is emptiness, the middle finger is fire, the ring finger is water, and the little finger is earth.
Knowing how to recite the magic formula and to form the Mudra guarantees its result. Mudra is 'Sceau' for the French people, meaning Seal. When a decision is reached, the document will be signed and sealed.
There are different ways to form a Mudra. Each Mudra has its particular use depending on the wish of the religious practitioner. One Mudra can be used on many occasions. Mudra and Dharani are used in big or small events at anytime. A Mudra is used to block a violent person, to chase Demons and evil spirits, to protect from danger, to invite Deities, and to wish for anything desired. Whenever the religious person wakes up, eats, drinks, walks, puts on clothes, or recites a prayer, he always uses the Mudra and the Dharani to help him and others.
3. Yantras (Seal)The Yantra is related to the mystery of the mind. Meditation helps one fully understand the universal laws. By understanding the universal laws and following their orders one can create a Yantra. One can also set the rules and organize them so that they will fit with the natural forces around us. To the non-believer, a Yantra is only a superstition. To the faithful, it represents a miniature cosmos in which Vairocana Buddha (the Creator) resides above and in the center, surrounded by the Gods and saints.
Seeing the Yantra is like seeing the emblem of Buddha. The thoughts about Buddha should constantly be in one's mind. The power of the Buddhas will manifest through the person because of the worship, the faith, the prayers and the vows to follow the Buddhas' wisdom and virtue path. From this, the devoted person will get whatever he wishes, and the ability to perform miracles to convert others.
Because it is a very hard subject to master, the practitioner of the Yantras must devote great effort in researching it through meditation, Even the advanced practitioner of the True Words Sect (Shingon sect) is unable to know all the Yantras completely.
The Mantra, Mudra, and Yantra are the perfect tools and the sacred codes to perform the magic generally used to preserve good teachings and to stop the false ones.
Once the practitioner understands the meaning of the Mantra, the Mudra and Yantra, he will be able to discover the three mysteries of the body, speech and mind by forming the Mudra, reciting the Dharani and focusing his Mind on the Yantra. The practice of the Three Secrets will protect him and others. He can also transmit it to his disciple. When he practices the Three Secrets he is in the same realm with the Buddha, which is the Bodhi realm (paradise). He can have powers and become one with the Creator. This is made possible by the method of Yoga Samadhi of Secret Buddhism.
Dai Linh Phu.jpg
Yantras 1 and 2 represents two magic Yantras from The Southern Secret Buddhism. They are important sacred Yantras used for protection and good luck, for exorcising rituals and for helping in spiritual advancement.
Yantra 3 represents the power of "Union". It is used in the ritual of inserting a needle into a body part. This will protect a person from all spells and disasters inflicted by the wrathful Gods.
Yantra 4. This is the emblem that represents the sect of Five Buddhas. (The Buddhas in 5 directions of the earth and its five heavenly armies.) It brings about peace during meditation.
V. MANDALA Mandala or 'Dan' or Bodhi Mandala is a complex term. It literally means donation, gift, generosity, or a raised platform for the purpose of worshipping.
In the Mahavairocana Sutra, Vajrapani Bodhisattva asked: "Supreme master, why is this called Mandala?" Buddha replied, " The place where Buddhas appear is called Mandala to indicate the highest position possible". In India, the procedure of worshipping God starts with cleaning and flattening the ground.
In Secret Buddhism, a Mandala has other factors of ritual such as the Yantra, the Three Mysteries, and the Four Intelligences. Mandala is also called the "incomparable wheel" complete with all of its gears which includes the axle, bolt, spokes rim and ring circle. However the name for all of these components is too long and people prefer the simple Sanskrit term "Mandala".
There are various structures of Mandala. The Mahavairocana Sutra indicates 4 types: round, square, triangle and crescent. The Vajrasekhara indicates 5 types: square, round, triangle, lotus and diamond.
According to the Mahavairocana Sutra, the square Mandala corresponds to earth; the round Mandala to water and space; the triangular Mandala to fire, and the semi-circle Mandala to air or wind. The square represents equality because the appearance of the ground is square. The round represents complete fullness because water and space are round. The triangle represents submission because the fire burns up in a triangular shape. The semi-circle represents elimination of disasters as the wind can destroy all obstacles by knocking them down.
Mandala has many other names. The Bodhi Mandala has paintings of Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas holding knifes, swords, wheels, etc. and is called Equality Mandala.
"Great Mandala is so named because the statues in the Mandala have five principal colors: yellow, white, red, black, blue, and corresponds to the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space. it expresses the entire universe in which, viewed broadly, human beings and all living things maintain harmony and interdependence with each other. It includes all of the other mandalas".
"Impartiality Mandala" is so named because the Buddhas in the Mandala represent beings with emotions, while knife, swords and wheels represent beings without emotions. The elements of the cosmos: Earth, Water, Fire and Wind, expand in space to create all impartial beings.
"Majestic Career Mandala" is so named because the molded or sculpted statues are meticulously decorated to express the grand career of the Buddhas and Bodhisattva in a lively manner.
"Dharma Mandala" is so named because the seed-syllables of the Buddhas represent good discipline, rules and regulations. It has the seed-syllable (root of a speech) next to the Buddhas' title as their symbols. Dharma, in Sanskrit, means teaching or transmission. The methods for transmitting the mind of the Buddha to people are the Sutras, Sanskrit words, and the names of the Buddhas. The essence of the teaching is contained in bîja or seed mantras. Generally speaking, this refers to language, words, and written texts.
Mandala or Bodhi Mandala is therefore a place for worship rituals, where the follower of Secret Buddhism recites mantras and vows to cultivate the Buddha-Way. The Mandala varies greatly depending on which Sutras or mystic rituals are used. A Mandala is either built with scented soil, or is a large painting that has Mahavairocana Buddha on the top of it, or is -a painting of Bodhisattvas according to their ranking for the purpose of worship. The Buddha has explained that each Bodhisattva has a different supernatural power. They were depicted with their distinct Mudra in the paintings. When the Initiate prays to a certain Bodhisatva, imitating the gesture in the painting facilitates the identification with the Bodhisattva. Other people use a round or square glass to represent a Mandala.
The surroundings and atmosphere of the adoration place, which are the ground, the temple, the direction, the time, the clothing, the colors, the decoration, and the offerings, carries a meaning and contributes to support and help the initiate realize his wishes. The factors creating the worship place vary depending on the type of the mystic rituals performed. Sokusaiho ceremony is performed to repent and eliminate sinful influences. Zoyakoho is for increasing happiness. Kuyo is for calling to the celestial power. Gofuku is for subduing and breaking the aversion of an opponent. Kyoaiho is for requesting Buddha and Bodhisattva for protection, and Yeimmeiho for extending longevity. All those mystical rituals are considered completely efficient and will fulfill the wish of the initiate.
To summarize, all the above rituals are the symbols of the hierarchy of nature, and of the revolving movement in the universe, which influences human life. However, the complication of the arrangement and decor for those ceremonies can be simplified and remain efficient as long as one's religious virtue conforms to the Buddha's Vow.
VI. HOMA (Goma, jap)Homa is the "Fire" ritual meditation. Originating in ancient India, it was later appropriated to Buddhist use. Homa means the burning of darkness and the term gives the image of upsurging flame. By this ritual, we may burn up those Karmic defilements, which still remain within us. It is the "fire of the Wisdom of the Buddha" which destroys all worldly passions. There is the "Outer" Homa, which is the actual fire kindled in the ritual, and the "Inner" Homa, that is the fire of the Wisdom of the Buddha which we have kindled within our minds. There are five different stages in the ritual differing according to the particular Deities involved.
It is written in the Yoga ritual book about the Inner Fire as follows: "When the hand creates the Buddha's Mudra, it increases the power of sacred prayer flags and banners. It subdues the anger of Vajrapani Deity, who then will accept our invitation. One should have respect and love for the Lotus Scripture. In executing this ritual, all five Yoga meditation methods should be used".
The Outer Homa is offered to Buddha and Bodhisattva to enhance the power of the Dharani and to bring about faster results. One must have a heart of perfection as the basic motivating force. The book of rituals on Homa said: "Focus and meditate on the word "A", imagine yourself being surrounded by fire, which is burning off all the bad karmas, and see the woods – your ignorance - being burned off leaving nothing behind. The clear holy water will flow and refresh all ten directions of the world, and it will help grow the seeds of wisdom, and the 'seed-syllable' will be born. This is the Body of Law, the secret of internal ritual of Homa. "
In fact, the Outer Homa ritual only has the effect of eliminating sins and producing blessings in this samsara (world of life and death) while the Inner Homa has the effect of eliminating worries that cause rebirth. If the Shingon practitioner does not understand this concept and only practices the Outer Homa, he will just be a common fire worshipper.
In summary, Secret Buddhism worships The Body of Law above all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The organization of the Secret school has different levels and different names. However, the secret magic arts are always kept behind doors, hidden to the general public. It is the secret rules transmitted verbally from the master to his disciple. It is the tradition to keep the sacred laws secret. In the past, when a master wanted to pass on the secret doctrine, he must observe among his disciples to choose the one best qualified, one who has more virtue than karma, one who is totally devoted to achieving liberation and detachment from the world. The master would then hand down the precious teaching to help that person achieve his goal. It is similar to throwing jewels into the river if the doctrine is given to the wrong person. If the practitioner receives the secret doctrine while his karma is still heavy, or if his heart is still attached to worldly pleasures, or if he is not fully committed to the Path of Enlightenment, it would not be useful for him, and he may damage it. Even when the teachings are exposed, it would be difficult for anyone to understand its full meaning due to the complexity of the rituals. That is why it is called Secret Buddhism, also called True Words, because it represents the path of the original word. The word is not spoken using common language; it is spoken through a Mantra (sacred speech), a Yantra (sacred seal), a Mandala (sacred Altar), and through Maithuna (Love).
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