Overall Teaching

The longevity and protection of the True Dharma are ensured through the power of buddhas’ vidyās, the vows of bodhisattvas and devas, and the sincere practice of compassion, non-harm, and continuous learning of the Dharma. By recalling Ratnacandra Tathāgata’s example and affirming vows from Vajrapāṇi and countless protectors, the Buddha shows that the Dharma endures beyond his own lifetime, not through wealth or worldly offerings, but through the supreme offering of upholding, practising, and transmitting the Dharma in times of decline.

Summary

1. The Vidyā for the Longevity of this True Dharma Teaching

   • Vajrapāṇi recites the ancient vidyā heard by Śākyamuni when he studied under Ratnacandra Tathāgata, which will ensure that this sūtra will circulate in the world in the last 500 years of the age of Dharma Decline. It converts all māras, making them vow to protect this sūtra:

     • Tadyathā: jaya jayamati jayaśakra male amale aluḍite name nāmasandhi utte uttamati uttaraṇi āre āramaṇi ariśamaṇi āmule mūlāvartite mūlānugate aṅge maṅge maṅgite āḍi māḍi mānite khuru khurusandhi dharmānugate dharmatakṣe dharmapraveśe sare sarasare abhede bhedasandhi ehi ehani enad agami nigraho mārāṇām nirghāṭane tīrthyānām mohanaṃ dharmanveṣināṃ vidhamanaṃ kleśānām ujjvālanaṃ dharmānetrīṇām ārakṣādharmakarṣitānām āveśanaṃ nirvāṇasya pragragho bodhiparicārakānām parisaṃsthāpanā parṣadaḥ kāyānupradānāṃ dharmaśravaṇikānām samanvāharatvaṃ samyaggatānām avalokanaṃ samyakpratipannānām āmukhībhāvatvaṃ mantrapadānaṃ mā praṇaśyantu mantra santi ajāna udāharaṇajñānam akṣūṇatā anavamṛdyatā deśanā svabhāvatvaṃ!

2. The Vidyā for the Protection of the Treasury of the Dharma

   • The Buddha then uttered a secret vidyā which protects and maintains this treasury of the Dharma:

     • Jaye durjaye jayamati same śatrunirghātani amūle mūlaparicchinne mārasainyavitrāsani mukte muktamati śuddhe abhede bhaye mohani bhārohani nante vidyavidye prakrame!

3. Vidyās for the Invitation of Devas and the Restraint of Māras

   • He then uttered these vidyās:

     • For inviting the Four Great Kings:

       • Ame mame marmacchede arthe arthanistaraṇe.

     • For inviting Śakra:

       • Dhīre dhīramati gupte śubhe śubhavatīsame.

     • For inviting Brahmā and Indra, he recited a gāthā:

Endowed with kindness, gentleness, and the power of great patience,
And for those who are compassionate, this great vidyā was uttered;
Being perfect in the two dharmas of joy and giving,
Brahmā and Indra are invited!

3. • • For restraining māras (who promise to protect this Dharma teaching):

       • Araṇe varaṇe khakha amūle mūlaśodhani.

4. Ratnacandra Tathāgata

   • The Buddha assures Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva that the True Dharma cannot be disturbed due to the power of the Tathāgata. He recalls Ratnacandra Tathāgata, a Buddha from the past with an impeccable world called Aninditā, where two virtuous Dharma teachers, Prajñodgata and Satyadatta, upheld the True Dharma. Śāntamati Bodhisattva inquires if Ratnacandra Tathāgata is still teaching or has passed into nirvāṇa; the Buddha confirms that Ratnacandra is teaching in a distant buddha-field called Aninditā. Ratnacandra Tathāgata has a long lifespan and has tamed all māras in his buddha-field, leading them towards enlightenment with his teachings. The Buddha reveals his past life as Dharma teacher Prajñodgata in Ratnacandra Tathāgata's assembly, with Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva as Dharma teacher Satyadatta, where they diligently practised and supported the True Dharma.

5. Vows for Upholding this True Dharma Teaching

   • The Buddha questions who will maintain the True Dharma post his nirvana, which he cultivated over innumerable kalpas. A collective commitment is made by twelve thousand bodhisattvas, five thousand devaputras, along with deities like Śakra, Śikhin, and King Vaiśravaṇa, all vowing to uphold and protect the highest True Dharma without seeking personal gain. Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva, the Great Lord of Mysteries, personally assures the Buddha of his dedication to bearing the Noble Dharma, emphasising the importance of preserving and spreading the teachings.

6. The Buddha's Instructions to Śikhin, the Brahmā King

   • The Buddha tells Śikhin about three supreme offerings of a bodhisattva: aspiring for ultimate enlightenment, maintaining the True Dharma of all buddhas, and practising the Dharma sincerely. These offerings bring immeasurable merits, surpass worldly wealth and are the most supreme form of offering. A story is told of Prince Prajñāvan, who, after hearing two enlightening gāthās in a dream, shares them, leading to the spiritual awakening of thousands. His benefit was that he came to have extensive learning and could benefit many with Dharma-knowledge. The Buddha emphasises two key practices: non-harm to living beings and continuous learning of the Dharma. Śikhin is reminded of his duty to safeguard the Dharma, especially in times of moral decline, as its practice then is exceptionally meritorious.

7. Entrustment to Ānanda and the Rejoicing of the Assembly

   • The Buddha instructs Ānanda to uphold and spread the Jñāna (Knowledge) Dhāraṇī Gate in this Secrets of the Tathāgata, emphasising to share with only those capable of comprehending its depth.Ānanda agrees. The sūtra is also given other titles, including "The Section on Vajrapāṇi," "The Inconceivable Buddha-Dharma," and "The Heap of Immeasurable Merits." The Buddha highlights the immense merit in teaching the Dharma over making material offerings. Moved by this sūtra, many in the assembly aspire for enlightenment, and celestial beings celebrate with music and offerings. The assembly, including prominent bodhisattvas, kings, and other celestial beings, rejoice and pledge to practice it sincerely.