Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani Overcomes Six Types of Suffering, Conquering the Lord of Death: Supreme in Six Realms
Why is the Dharani of Ushnisha Vijaya considered the King of Dharanis in all Six Realms? Why should it be a daily practice for Mahayana Buddhists? Why did Shakyamuni Buddha teach this Dharani? Why is Ushnisha Vijaya much more...
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Ushnisha Vijaya Namgyalma is more than a long life Goddess. She is one of the Three Supremes in some of Marpa the Translators key Sadhana practices. Beautiful painting by Angeli Lhadripa Shkonda. See our full feature on Angeli here>>Why is the Dharani of Ushnisha Vijaya considered the King of Dharanis in all Six Realms? Why should it be a daily practice for Mahayana Buddhists? Why did Shakyamuni Buddha teach this Dharani? Why is Ushnisha Vijaya much more than the “conqueror of death,” or the long-life Buddha? We answer these questions and present the Dharani and originating Sutra, the words of Buddha.
Dharani for the Six Types of Suffering
The Dharani of Ushnisha Vijaya, taught by Shakyamuni Buddha, overcomes the Six Realms and the Six Types of Suffering, which are manifested in the poisons afflicting the Six Realms.
This tanka illustrates the Wheel of Samsara, also called Cycle of Existence, Path of Transmigration, Wheel of Life. The wheel is thought of by some as metaphoric, illustrating as it does the six realms: hell realm at the bottom, animal realm, human realm, heaven realm, hungry ghost realm, Asura realm. Even if one rises, through positive kara to more “enjoyable realms” such as heaven, the suffering continues as we cling to the beauty of this realm.
The Dharani overcomes the poison of anger, supreme in the hell realms. It triumphs over greed, the poison of the Preta or Hungry Ghost Realm. It overcomes the poison of stupidity or ignorance, as represented by the Animal Realm. It neutralizes our paralyzing jealousy, the cause of wars and major suffering, allegorical of the Asura Realm. And, most importantly, in our clingy “never enough” modern world, it overcomes excessive attachments to pride and also desires and habitual enjoyment, which are the poisons of the heavenly or Deva Realm. (See the section below elaborating on the Six Realms.)
Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani Chanted in Sanskrit!
Buddha Weekly’s beautiful original vocals of this very powerful Dharani in Sanskrit. Chant along for benefits (no empowerment required) with the Dharani text below:
Symbolizing this, the supreme Dharani was taught to a heavenly “audience,” a realm and condition in Buddhism representing the most pervasive of poisons. These are excessive addictions to pleasure and pride.
This Dharani from Sutra, taught by Shakyamuni Buddha, was in response to a request for help from Lord Shakra, an epithet of Indra. He requested on behalf of a Devaputra, which means a son of a god, who was about to fall into multiple lower rebirths due to karma arising from his addiction to pride and pleasure.
Devaputra Suṣṭhita frolics and dances in heaven. After hundreds of years of pleasure he finds out that his addiction to pleasure will result in his death and rebirth in hell. His father goes to Buddha for help, in the Sutra of Ushanisah Vijaya Dharani.
Two Realities: Both Legitimate
In Buddhism, you can view the Devas and heavenly realms as metaphors for the poison of excessive attachment to pleasures and pride, or you can view them as literal realms. In the context of ultimate reality, it makes no difference, since Wisdom reveals our understanding of relative reality is illusory.
In the Sutra, this Devaputra, or son of a god, had spent eons in the heavens, experiencing every pleasure, but also creating vast negative karma due to his pursuit of endless enjoyments. Even Devas and Gods are subject to the law of karma, or cause and effect.
Often in Mahayana Sutra, Devas attend the teachings. Why? Because even Devas or Gods are subject to Samsara and Karma and only Buddha conquered the cycle of Samsara. In the Sutra of the Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani Lord Shakra (Indra) asked Buddha for a way to help a Devaputra (son of the Gods) who had only 7 days left to live, after which he would suffer through seven lives as an animal, then more in hells, to pay for his negative karma from an extraordinary life of pleasures in heaven. All Six realms are subject to the law of karma, including heavens. You can view this as literal reality, or as metaphorical. In the teachings, for example, a human who is overly indulging in addictive pleasure is said to be stuck in the Deva realm of suffering.
On his behalf, Lord Shakra, who is famous as a protector of Buddhism and the Buddha, attended one of Buddha’s teachings and asked for help on behalf to he Devaptura. The teaching he received was the Dharani of Ushnisha Vijaya which purifies all karmas and obstacles of all beings of all six realms, even the Heavenly realms.
Devaputra Suṣṭhita in a “non stop party” in heaven. He only stops after hundreds of years when he finds out he has only seven days left to live.
The story of the Devaputra from Sutra
Quoting from translation of The Ushnishavijaya Dharani Sutra:
“At that time the devas in Trayastrimsha Heaven were also having a gathering in the Good Dharma Hall. Among them was a devaputra by the name of Suṣṭhita who, together with the other great devaputras, was frolicking in the garden and courtyard, enjoying in the supremely wonderful bliss of heavenly life. Surrounded by devis they were extremely happy – singing, dancing and entertaining themselves.
Soon after nightfall, Devaputra Suṣṭhita suddenly heard a voice in space saying, “Devaputra Suṣṭhita, you have only seven days left to live. After death, you will be reborn in Jambudvipa (Earth) as an animal for seven successive lives. Then you will fall into the hells to undergo more sufferings. Only after fulfilling your karmic retribution will you be reborn in the human realm, but to a humble and destitute family, while in the mother’s womb you will be without eyes and born blind.”
In the Sutra, Lord Shakra, another name for Indra, came to Buddha’s teaching to ask for a way to help a Devaputra (son of the Gods). Only Buddha’s transmitted Dharani of Ushnisha Vijaya could help the Devaputra.
On hearing this, Devaputra Suṣṭhita was so terrified that his hair stood on end. Tormented and distressed, he rushed over to the palace of Lord Shakra. Bursting into tears and not knowing what else to do, he prostrated himself at the feet of Lord Shakra , telling Lord Shakra of what had happened.
“As I was enjoying the frolic of dance and songs with the heavenly devis, I suddenly heard a voice in space telling me that I had only seven days left, and that I would fall into Jambudvipa after death, remaining there in the animal realm for seven successive lives. Following that, I would fall into the various hells to endure greater sufferings. Only after my karmic retribution had been fulfilled would I reborn as a human, and even then I would be born without eyes in a poor and disreputable family. Lord of Heaven, how can I escape from such sufferings?”
Lord Shakra, a name for Indra, King of Heaven is honored as a protector of Buddhism and follower of Buddha’s teachings. In this form he holds the Vajra, a symbol of his lightning, and his throne is a white elephant. This is a Buddhist representation of Lord Shakra as a mighty protector. He often attends Sutra teachings. In the Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani Sutra he asks Buddha respectively for a way to help one of his sons who is destined to take many lower rebirths due to his excessive negative karma.
Lord Shakra immediately calmed his mind to enter Samadhi and made careful observations. Instantly, he saw that Suṣṭhita would undergo seven successive evil paths in the forms of a pig, dog, jackal, monkey, python, crow and vulture, all feeding on filth and putrescence.
Lord Shakra saw that the Devaputra would have many unfortunate rebirths as animals and in hell realms to purify his negative karma. He asked Buddha to help the Devaputra.
Having seen the seven future rebirth forms of Devaputra Suṣṭhita, Lord Shakra was shattered and was filled with great sorrow, but could not think of any way to help Suṣṭhita. He felt that only the Tathagata, Arhate, Samyak-sambuddha could save Suṣṭhita from falling into the great sufferings of evil destines.
The hell realm is one of the six realms. It can be seen as a metaphor for a person who suffers from the poison of excessive anger. It can be seen as literal and real, a place where people must purify their negative karma. With the Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani, however, we can purify our anger and our negative karmas instead.
Thus, soon after nightfall that very day, Lord Shakra prepared various types of flower wreaths, perfume and incense. Adorning himself with fine Deva garments and bearing these offerings, Lord Shakra made his way to the garden of Anathapindika, abode of the World Honored One. Upon arrival, Lord Shakra first prostrated himself at the Buddha’s feet in reverence, then circumambulated the Buddha seven times clockwise in worship, before laying out his great Puja (offerings).
Kneeling in front of the Buddha, Lord Shakra described the future destiny of Devaputra Suṣṭhita who would soon fall into the evil paths with seven successive rebirths in the animal realm with details of his subsequent retribution.
Lord Shakra came down and requested a teaching of Buddha to save Devaputra Sisthita from hellish rebirth. Buddha gave him transmission of the Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani and offered it to all beings to purify “all evil paths, especially the sufferings birth and death.”
Instantly, the ushnisa on crown of the head of the Tathagata radiated multiple rays of light, illuminating the world in all ten directions, the light then returned, circling the Buddha three times before entering His mouth. Then the Buddha smiled and said to Lord Shakra:
“Lord of Heaven, there is a Dharani known as the ‘Usnisa Vijaya Dharani’. It can purify all evil paths, completely eliminating all sufferings of birth and death. It can also liberate all miseries and sufferings of beings in the realms of hell, King Yama and animal, destroy all the hells, and transfer sentient beings onto the virtuous path.”
“Lord of Heaven, if one hears this Usnisa Vijaya Dharani once, all the bad karma incurred from his previous lives that should cause him to fall into hells will be destroyed altogether. He will instead acquire a fine and pure body. Wherever he is reborn, he will clearly remember the Dharani – from one Buddhahood to another, from one heavenly realm to another heavenly realm. Indeed, throughout the Trayastrimsha Heaven, wherever he is reborn, he will not forget.”
“Lord of Heaven, if someone at death’s door recalls this divine Dharani, even for just a moment, his lifespan will be extended and he will acquire purification of body, speech and mind. Without suffering any physical pain and in accordance with his meritorious deeds, he will enjoy tranquility everywhere. Receiving blessings from all the Tathagatas, and constantly guarded by devas and protected by Bodhisattvas, he will be honored and respected by people, and all the evil hindrances will be eradicated.”
“Lord of Heaven, if anyone can sincerely read or recite this Dharani even for a short period of time, all his karmic retribution which would lead him to suffer in the hells, the animal realm, the realm of King Yama and the hungry ghost realm, will be completely destroyed and eradicated without leaving any trace. He will be free to go to any of the Buddhas’ Pure lands and heavenly palace; all gateways leading to the Bodhisattvas’ abode are open to him unobstructed.”
After hearing the above discourse, Lord Shakra immediately appealed to the Buddha, “For the sake of all sentient beings, may the World Honored One kindly give a discourse on how one’s lifespan can be lengthened.”
The Buddha was aware of Lord Shakra ‘s intention and his eagerness to hear His discourse on this Dharani and so immediately proclaimed the Mantra thus:
namo bhagavate trailokya prativiśiṣṭāya buddhāya bhagavate
tadyathā oṃ viśodhaya viśodhaya
asamasama samanta avabhāsa spharaṇa gati gahana svabhāva viśuddhe
abhiṣiñcatu māṃ
sugata vara vacana
amṛta abhiṣeke mahāmantra pāne
āhara āhara āyuḥ sandhāraṇi
śodhaya śodhaya gagana viśuddhe
uṣṇīṣa vijaya viśuddhe
sahasraraśmi sañcodite
sarva tathāgata avalokana ṣaṭpāramitā paripūraṇi
sarva tathāgata mati daśa-bhūmi prati-ṣṭhite
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre
vajrakāya saharaṇa viśuddhe
sarva āvaraṇa apāya durgati pariviśuddhe
pratinirvartaya āyuḥ śuddhe
samaya adhiṣṭhite maṇi maṇi mahāmaṇi
tathātā bhūta koṭi pariśuddhe
visphuṭa buddhi śuddhe
jaya jaya vijaya vijaya smara smara
sarva buddha adhiṣṭhita śuddhe
vajre vajra garbhe vajraṃ bhavatu mama śarīraṁ
sarva sattvānāṁ ca kāya pariviśuddhe
sarva gati pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgatāśca me sama āśvāsayantu
sarva tathāgata sama āśvāsa adhiṣṭhite
budhya budhya vibudhya vibudhya
bodhaya bodhaya vibodhaya vibodhaya
samanta pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre svāhā
Then the Buddha told Lord Shakra , “The above Mantra is known as the ‘Purifying All Evil Paths’ Usnisa Vijaya Dharani’. It can eliminate all evil karmic hindrances and eradicate the suffering of all evil paths.”
The Sutra is for Everyone of All Six Realms
This story is as much for us as it was for the Devas. The Devas symbolize beings who are enjoying every pleasure but are trapped by them.
In Buddhism, the god realm, or heavenly beings, represents extreme attachments to pleasures and enjoyment.
Gods and the Heavenly Realms are metaphors for our own lives — and this teaching cautions against overly indulging in attachments and pleasures. Attachments and pleasure are the poison afflicting the Heavenly Realm.
It doesn’t matter if you view the heavenly realms as literal or metaphorical; the teaching transcends both, and applies regardless of your understanding of ultimate and illusory reality.
The attachments and pleasures of gods illustrate that even the most perfect pleasures we enjoy here and now a humans, are not permanent. We can be rich, or have a happy family life, or achieve our life goals, but none of this is permanent. All beings, even the gods, are subject to karmic repercussions.
The benefits outlined by Buddha go far beyond purifying our excess negative karma, and far beyond purifying only karma associated with attachments and pleasure. Many Dharanis or mantras focus on one type of being or one realm of existence, symbolizing the six types of suffering.
See the section below explaining the metaphor of the six realms.
Thankgka from Garchen Institute illustrating Ushnisha Vijaya. She has three faces yellow, white and blue, plus Red Amitabha on one hand and the double Vajra in another — this represents she is the activity of all five Buddha Families.Benefits of Dharani as Explained in Sutra
According to the Sutra, major benefits of this dhāraṇī include all areas of life, all karmas and all obstructions or dangers:
Rescue from all dangers Protect from Calamities, including natural disasters such as drought, flood, wind, fire Purify negative karma, including from past lives Eliminate all karmic obstructions Increase merit and blessings Lengthen lifespan and quality of life Heal from diseases, illnesses, wounds or epidemics Attain anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi, or supreme perfect wisdom Relieve beings in the ghost or Preta realm or humans suffering in a state of Hungry Ghost Realm (excessive hunger for more) Benefit birds, animals and all crawling creatures or humans suffering in a state of Animal Realm (excessive fear) Destroy suffering in the Hell Realms or humans suffering in a state of Heal Realm (excessive anger) Relieve beings in the God Realms, beings with excessive attachment to pleasure, or humans suffering metaphorically as God Realm (excessively attached) beings. Relieve beings in the Demi-God or Asura Realms, beings with too much jealousy, or humans suffering metaphorically as Demi-God Realm beings. Increase wisdom Reverse the fixed karma Help minimize collective karma — for example, the karma of a country Harmonise relationships, including spouses, friends, associates Ultimately purifying us to be reborn in Sukhavati or other pure landsDharani
The actual Dharani, as transmitted by Shakyamuni Buddha is:
namo bhagavate trailokya prativiśiṣṭāya buddhāya bhagavate
tadyathā oṃ viśodhaya viśodhaya
asamasama samanta avabhāsa spharaṇa gati gahana svabhāva viśuddhe
abhiṣiñcatu māṃ
sugata vara vacana
amṛta abhiṣeke mahāmantra pāne
āhara āhara āyuḥ sandhāraṇi
śodhaya śodhaya gagana viśuddhe
uṣṇīṣa vijaya viśuddhe
sahasraraśmi sañcodite
sarva tathāgata avalokana ṣaṭpāramitā paripūraṇi
sarva tathāgata mati daśa-bhūmi prati-ṣṭhite
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre
vajrakāya saharaṇa viśuddhe
sarva āvaraṇa apāya durgati pariviśuddhe
pratinirvartaya āyuḥ śuddhe
samaya adhiṣṭhite maṇi maṇi mahāmaṇi
tathātā bhūta koṭi pariśuddhe
visphuṭa buddhi śuddhe
jaya jaya vijaya vijaya smara smara
sarva buddha adhiṣṭhita śuddhe
vajre vajra garbhe vajraṃ bhavatu mama śarīraṁ
sarva sattvānāṁ ca kāya pariviśuddhe
sarva gati pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgatāśca me sama āśvāsayantu
sarva tathāgata sama āśvāsa adhiṣṭhite
budhya budhya vibudhya vibudhya
bodhaya bodhaya vibodhaya vibodhaya
samanta pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre svāhā
In Devanāgarī Script:-
नमो भगवते त्रैलोक्य प्रतिविशिष्टाय बुद्धाय भगवते
तद्यथा ॐ विशोधय विशोधय
असमसम समन्त अवभास स्फरण गति गहन स्वभाव विशुद्धे
अभिषिञ्चतु मां
सुगत वर वचन
अमृत अभिषेके महामन्त्र पाने
आहर आहर आयुः सन्धारणि
शोधय शोधय गगन विशुद्धे
उष्णीष विजय विशुद्धे
सहस्ररश्मि सञ्चोदिते
सर्व तथागत अवलोकन षट्पारमिता परिपूरणि
सर्व तथागत हृदय अधिष्ठान अधिष्ठित महामुद्रे
वज्रकाय सहरण विशुद्धे
सर्व आवरण अपाय दुर्गति परिविशुद्धे
प्रतिनिर्वर्तय आयुः शुद्धे
समय अधिष्ठिते मणि मणि महामणि
तथाता भूत कोटि परिशुद्धे
विस्फुट बुद्धि शुद्धे
जय जय विजय विजय स्मर स्मर
सर्व बुद्ध अधिष्ठित शुद्धे
वज्रे वज्र गर्भे वज्रं भवतु मम शरीरं
सर्व सत्त्वानां च काय परिविशुद्धे
सर्व गति परिशुद्धे
सर्व तथागताश्च मे सम आश्वासयन्तु
सर्व तथागत सम आश्वास अधिष्ठिते
बुध्य बुध्य विबुध्य विबुध्य
बोधय बोधय विबोधय विबोधय
समन्त परिशुद्धे
सर्व तथागत हृदय अधिष्ठान अधिष्ठित महामुद्रे स्वाहा
Dharani with English line-by-line
For the purpose of helping us understand the Dharani, we present two scholar’s translations to English. Note, however, that it should be actually chanted in the Sanskrit, and that straight translation doesn’t always capture every nuance of the teaching. For instance, translating Bhagatvate as “blessed one” is in complete, but it is helpful for context:
Namo bhagavate, trailokya prativisistaya,
Adoration to the blessed, in the triple world the most excellent,
buddhaya bhagavate! Tadyatha Om!
to the enlightened! Adoration to the blessed! Namely: Om!
Vishodhaya, vishodhaya – asama-sama,
Cleanse, cleanse – the always impartial,
samantavabhasa-spharana
being in possession of all-pervading, all-illuminating light,
gati gahana, svabhava vishuddhe abhisinchatu!
cleansed of the darkness of the five paths of existence, the pure in-himself
Mam, Sugata, vara vachana amirta abhisekai maha,
Consecrate us, Sugata, with an immortal consecration which consists of the best words,
mantra-padai! Ahara, ahara
the great true phrases! Remove disasters, remove disasters,
ayuh sam-dharani! Sodhaya, sodhaya,
holder of an eternal life! Cleanse us, cleanse us,
gagana visuddhe usnisa vijaya vishuddhe,
the as-pure-as-the-sky, as the victorious head-crown as pure,
sahashra-rasmi sam-chodite!
the inflamed with a thousand rays of light!
Sarva tathagata avalokani,
O One overseeing the thus-gone ones,
sat-paramita-paripurani!
the perfect in the six paramitas!
Sarva tathagata mati dasha-bhumi prati-sthite!
O One who has passed all ten stages of tathagata-consciousness!
Sarva tathagata hirdaya adhisthanadhisthita maha-mudre,
O One who from the heart of every tathagata the spiritual power emanating holds
maha-mudre, vujra kaya sam-hatana vishuddhe!
the great seal, whose body is as adamantine and pure as diamond!
Sarva varana apaya-durgati pari vishuddhe prati-nivartaya ayuh shuddhe!
O One who is thoroughly cleansed of all return-compelling karma!
Samaya adhisthite, mani, mani, maha mani! Tathata,
Keep your promise, jewel, jewel, great jewel! Suchness,
bhuta-koti parishuddhe visphuta buddhi shuddhe, jaya, jaya,
the absolute pinnacle of evolved purity of mind, be victorious, be victorious;
vijaya; vijaya! Smara; smara!
be ever victorious; be ever victorious! Bear in mind; bear in mind!
Sarva buddha adhisthita shuddhe!
O One who of all buddhas is the pure and appointed!
Vajri vajragarbhe, vajram bhavatu mama shariram!
Vajra-holding diamond-womb, let my body be like diamond!
Sarva sattva’am cha kaya –
O One who possesses a pure body –
pari vishuddhe sarva gati parishuddhe –
who is absolutely pure from all the paths of existence –
sarva tathagata singcha me samasvasayantu,
O One who consoles me by all the tathagatas,
sarva tathagata samasvasa adhisthite,
O One who is empowered with all the consoling power of the tathagatas,
budhiya, budhiya, vibudhiya, vibudhiya!
be enlightened, be enlightened, be ever enlightened, be ever enlightened!
Bodhaya, bodhaya, vibhodhaya,
Have them enlightened, have them enlightened, have them ever enlightened,
vibodhaya, samanta parishuddhe!
have them ever enlightened, the most pure in a thoroughgoing way!
Sarva tathagata hirdya adhisthanadhisthita
O One who from the heart of every tathagata the spiritual power emanating holds
maha-mudre, svaha!
the great seal, hail!
Six Realms as Metaphors for Poisons
The Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani benefits all beings in all six realms. Again, these realms can be thought of as literal, but equally as “states” within our own lives. In Buddhism this is called the six paths, or in older literature the six realms of God realm, Demi-gold Realm, Human Realm, Animal Realm, Hungry Ghost Realm and Hell Realm. If we are in the Human Realm, we can practice Dharma with the potential to become Enlightened.
The reality is, even if we call ourselves Human, in Buddhist terms we’re metaphorically suffering in one of the other five realms.
Too much Pleasure: Deva Realm
For example, if we are excessively attached to pleasures, riches and sensory pleasures we can be metaphorically said to be suffering in the God Realm or Heavenly Realm, also called Deva Realm. This is the type of person Buddha was speaking to in the Ushnisha Vijaya Sutra. These are people who have pleasures now, but we are obsessed or attached to these pleasures. They become poisons that obscure our potential to become Enlightened. For this reason, it is very difficult for Gods to become Enlightened. There are too many pleasures to distract us from practice.
Too Much Envy: Asura Realm
If we are excessively attached to jealousy and envy, we can be said to be suffering in the Demi-god realm, also called Asura Realm. This is because we cannot overcome our envy for those with more pleasures than us.
Too Much Fear: Animal Realm
If we are metaphorically suffering in the Animal Realm we live a life of constant fear, always worried about being attached by other animals. We are overworked and exploited and used. We are always afraid. In this case, our poison is anxiety and fear.
Too Much Greed: Preta Realm
If we are metaphorically suffering in the Hungry Ghost or Preta realm, we are always hungry and thirsty — because no matter what we have, we’re greedy for more. We always see something better just a little further. We’re always in torment because our hunger and needs can never be fulfilled. This can mean someone who is literally in poverty and suffering of literal starvation, or someone who never feels fulfilled.
Too Much Anger: Hell Realm
If we are metaphorically suffering in the Hell Realms, we suffer unbearable suffering because of our own hate. There are, clasically, 18 types of hell, corresponding to 18 types of hatred resulting in 18 types of torment.
Ideal for Dharma: Human Realm
Only the Human Realm is suitable for practicing Dharma, although traditionally it’s the realm of “lust.”
If we live as a human, however, obsessed with too much anger, we’re already in the Hell Realm. If we live constantly in fear of everything, we’re already in the Animal Realm. Being a Human is not the same as being a Human in the Human Realm. Fortunately, with the Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani, regardless of which realm we, as humans, live in, there is a way to escape these realms.
The Ushnisha Vijaya Dharani rescues beings of all of these realms.
History of the Dharani
His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche at an Ushnisha Vijaya empowerment — please see embedded video below to attend the empowerment (Garchen Rinpoche indicates pre-recorded empowerments are valid):
“Now I will read the history of the empowerment. So the history of this goddess, is the essence of the victorious Amitayus. However, in order to make accomplishment easy without practicing mantra it is thought that one should rely upon the dharani mantra created by this goddess. Furthermore, when the Bhagavan Shakyamuni was residing in Indra’s fine dharma god realm there was one called Devaputra Suṣṭhita, the brave.
He became attached to the enjoyments of the gods and gave no thought to death. One night, he heard a voice saying: after seven days you will die, then you will take birth as seven types of beings. Even if you are born as a human, you will be blind and impoverished. When he heard this he became extremely terrified and beseeched his father Indra Kaushika. With his clairvoyance, Indra could see that his son would die, and then successively take birth as a dog, a fox, a monkey, a snake, a vulture, a crow, a blind man and so forth. Having seen this, Indra quickly picked up a collection of offerings and offered them to the Bhagavan and prostrated to him, praying that the Buddha would help Devaputra. Indra requested a method to liberate from suffering. From the crown protuberance of the Bhagavan, light radiated and it illuminated the world, and the light disappeared into the Buddha’s mouth. As soon as this happened, the Buddha said this mantra of Ushnisha vijaya completely clears away the lower realms. At that time, even the lord of death, King of dharmas rejoiced.
Uṣṇīṣavijayā promised to protect sentient beings who possess this mantra. Devaputra then became one of the long-life gods. The door to the lower realms was closed. His enlightenment was foretold by the Bhagavan. The Uṣṇīṣa endowed with these qualities belongs to the Tatagatha family of the Kriya tantra. As soon as the dharani mantra is uttered, all the Buddhas will guard and protect one’s lifespan from being exhausted or shortened. The abodes of the lower realms will be emptied, and the door to the pure realm of Sukhavati will be opened. All will be born there and so forth. It is thought that there are limitless benefits.”
Empowerment Online
Although empowerment is not required, it is highly beneficial to receive the transmission and history and practice instructions. His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche has a beautiful empowerment (with translators) of this glorious practice. He stipulates that online empowerments from him are effective even if pre-recorded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSVVyzOxZZM
The Ushnishavijaya Dharani Sutra
The full title:
The Sutra of The Supreme Sacrosanct Dharani From The Buddha’s Summit
Tripitaka No. 967
Translated during the Tang Dynasty by Buddhapala
Thus I have heard, at one time, the Bhagavan (World Honored One) was dwelling in the city of Shravasti at the Jeta Grove, in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary (Anathapindika), together with his regular disciples of twelve hundred and fifty great Bhikshus and twelve thousand Maha Bodhisattvas Sangha in all.
At that time the devas in Trayastrimsha Heaven were also having a gathering in the Good Dharma Hall. Among them was a devaputra by the name of Suṣṭhita who, together with the other great devaputras, was frolicking in the garden and courtyard, enjoying in the supremely wonderful bliss of heavenly life. Surrounded by devis they were extremely happy – singing, dancing and entertaining themselves.
Soon after nightfall, Devaputra Suṣṭhita suddenly heard a voice in space saying, “Devaputra Suṣṭhita, you have only seven days left to live. After death, you will be reborn in Jambudvipa (Earth) as an animal for seven successive lives. Then you will fall into the hells to undergo more sufferings. Only after fulfilling your karmic retribution will you be reborn in the human realm, but to a humble and destitute family, while in the mother’s womb you will be without eyes and born blind.”
On hearing this, Devaputra Suṣṭhita was so terrified that his hair stood on end. Tormented and distressed, he rushed over to the palace of Lord Shakra*. Bursting into tears and not knowing what else to do, he prostrated himself at the feet of Lord Shakra , telling Lord Shakra of what had happened.
“As I was enjoying the frolic of dance and songs with the heavenly devis, I suddenly heard a voice in space telling me that I had only seven days left, and that I would fall into Jambudvipa after death, remaining there in the animal realm for seven successive lives. Following that, I would fall into the various hells to endure greater sufferings. Only after my karmic retribution had been fulfilled would I reborn as a human, and even then I would be born without eyes in a poor and disreputable family. Lord of Heaven, how can I escape from such sufferings?”
Lord Shakra immediately calmed his mind to enter Samadhi and made careful observations. Instantly, he saw that Suṣṭhita would undergo seven successive evil paths in the forms of a pig, dog, jackal, monkey, python, crow and vulture, all feeding on filth and putrescence.
Having seen the seven future rebirth forms of Devaputra Suṣṭhita, Lord Shakra was shattered and was filled with great sorrow, but could not think of any way to help Suṣṭhita. He felt that only the Tathagata, Arhate, Samyak-sambuddha could save Suṣṭhita from falling into the great sufferings of evil destines.
Thus, soon after nightfall that very day, Lord Shakra prepared various types of flower wreaths, perfume and incense. Adorning himself with fine Deva garments and bearing these offerings, Lord Shakra made his way to the garden of Anathapindika, abode of the World Honored One. Upon arrival, Lord Shakra first prostrated himself at the Buddha’s feet in reverence, then circumambulated the Buddha seven times clockwise in worship, before laying out his great Puja (offerings).
Kneeling in front of the Buddha, Lord Shakra described the future destiny of Devaputra Suṣṭhita who would soon fall into the evil paths with seven successive rebirths in the animal realm with details of his subsequent retribution.
Instantly, the ushnisa (crown of the head) of the Tathagata radiated multiple rays of light, illuminating the world in all ten directions, the light then returned, circling the Buddha three times before entering His mouth. Then the Buddha smiled and said to Lord Shakra , “Lord of Heaven, there is a Dharani known as the ‘Usnisa Vijaya Dharani’. It can purify all evil paths, completely eliminating all sufferings of birth and death. It can also liberate all miseries and sufferings of beings in the realms of hell, King Yama and animal, destroy all the hells, and transfer sentient beings onto the virtuous path.”
“Lord of Heaven, if one hears this Usnisa Vijaya Dharani once, all the bad karma incurred from his previous lives that should cause him to fall into hells will be destroyed altogether. He will instead acquire a fine and pure body. Wherever he is reborn, he will clearly remember the Dharani – from one Buddhahood to another, from one heavenly realm to another heavenly realm. Indeed, throughout the Trayastrimsha Heaven, wherever he is reborn, he will not forget.”
“Lord of Heaven, if someone at death’s door recalls this divine Dharani, even for just a moment, his lifespan will be extended and he will acquire purification of body, speech and mind. Without suffering any physical pain and in accordance with his meritorious deeds, he will enjoy tranquility everywhere. Receiving blessings from all the Tathagatas, and constantly guarded by devas and protected by Bodhisattvas, he will be honored and respected by people, and all the evil hindrances will be eradicated.”
“Lord of Heaven, if anyone can sincerely read or recite this Dharani even for a short period of time, all his karmic retribution which would lead him to suffer in the hells, the animal realm, the realm of King Yama and the hungry ghost realm, will be completely destroyed and eradicated without leaving any trace. He will be free to go to any of the
Buddhas’ Pure lands and heavenly palace; all gateways leading to the Bodhisattvas’ abode are open to him unobstructed.”
After hearing the above discourse, Lord Shakra immediately appealed to the Buddha, “For the sake of all sentient beings, may the World Honored One kindly give a discourse on how one’s lifespan can be lengthened.”
The Buddha was aware of Lord Shakra ‘s intention and his eagerness to hear His discourse on this Dharani and so immediately proclaimed the Mantra thus:
namo bhagavate trailokya prativiśiṣṭāya buddhāya bhagavate
tadyathā oṃ viśodhaya viśodhaya
asamasama samanta avabhāsa spharaṇa gati gahana svabhāva viśuddhe
abhiṣiñcatu māṃ
sugata vara vacana
amṛta abhiṣeke mahāmantra pāne
āhara āhara āyuḥ sandhāraṇi
śodhaya śodhaya gagana viśuddhe
uṣṇīṣa vijaya viśuddhe
sahasraraśmi sañcodite
sarva tathāgata avalokana ṣaṭpāramitā paripūraṇi
sarva tathāgata mati daśa-bhūmi prati-ṣṭhite
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre
vajrakāya saharaṇa viśuddhe
sarva āvaraṇa apāya durgati pariviśuddhe
pratinirvartaya āyuḥ śuddhe
samaya adhiṣṭhite maṇi maṇi mahāmaṇi
tathātā bhūta koṭi pariśuddhe
visphuṭa buddhi śuddhe
jaya jaya vijaya vijaya smara smara
sarva buddha adhiṣṭhita śuddhe
vajre vajra garbhe vajraṃ bhavatu mama śarīraṁ
sarva sattvānāṁ ca kāya pariviśuddhe
sarva gati pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgatāśca me sama āśvāsayantu
sarva tathāgata sama āśvāsa adhiṣṭhite
budhya budhya vibudhya vibudhya
bodhaya bodhaya vibodhaya vibodhaya
samanta pariśuddhe
sarva tathāgata hṛdaya adhiṣṭhāna adhiṣṭhita mahāmudre svāhā
Then the Buddha told Lord Shakra , “The above Mantra is known as the ‘Purifying All Evil Paths’ Usnisa Vijaya Dharani’. It can eliminate all evil karmic hindrances and eradicate the suffering of all evil paths.”
“Lord of Heaven, this great Dharani is proclaimed together by Buddhas as numerous as eighty-eight kotis (hundred million) of the grains of sand of the Ganges River. All Buddhas rejoice and uphold this Dharani that is verified by the wisdom seal of the Maha Vairocana Tathagata. This is because in the evil paths, to liberate them from painful retribution in hell, animal and King Yama’s realms; to deliver beings facing immediate danger of falling into the sea of birth and death (samsara); to assist helpless beings with short life spans and poor fortune and to deliver beings who like to commit all kinds of evil deeds. Moreover, because of its dwelling and being upheld in the Jambudvipa world, the power manifested by this Dharani would cause all beings in hells and other evil realms; those with poor fortune and revolving in the cycles of birth and death; those not believing in the existence of good and evil deeds and are deviated from the proper path, to attain deliverance.”
Again Buddha reminded Lord Shakra , “I now entrust this divine Dharani to you. you should in turn transmit it to Devaputra Suṣṭhita. In addition, you yourself should receive and uphold it, recite, contemplate and treasure it, memories and revere it. This Dharani Mudra should be widely proclaimed to all beings in the Jambu-dvipa world. I also entrust this to you, for the benefit of all heavenly beings, that this Dharani Mudra should be proclaimed.
Lord of Heaven, you should diligently uphold and protect it, never letting it to be forgotten or lost.”
“Lord of Heaven, if someone hears this Dharani even for just a moment, he will not undergo karmic retribution from the evil karma and severe hindrances accumulated from thousands of kalpas ago, that would otherwise cause him to revolve in the cycles of birth and death – in all kinds of life forms in the evil paths – hell, hungry ghost, animal, realm of King Yama, Asuras, Yaksa, Raksasa, ghosts and spirits, Putana, Kataputana, Apasmara, mosquitoes, gnats, tortoises, dogs, pythons, birds, ferocious animals, crawling creatures and even ants and other life forms. Owing to the merits accrued from hearing for a moment this Dharani, once this very life is over, he will be reborn in the Buddha lands, together with all the Buddhas and Ekajati-pratibaddha Bodhisattvas, or in a distinguished Brahmin or Ksatriya family, or in some other wealthy and reputable family. Lord of Heaven, this man can be reborn in one of the above-mentioned prosperous and reputable families simply because he has heard this Dharani, and hence be reborn in a pure place.”
“Lord of Heaven, even acquiring the most victorious Bodhimanda is a result of praising the meritorious virtues of this Dharani. Hence, this Dharani is also known as the Auspicious Dharani, which can purify all evil paths. This Usnisa Vijaya Dharani is like a Treasury of Sun Mani Pearl -pure and flawless, clear as space, its brilliance illuminating and all-pervading. If any beings uphold this Dharani, likewise will they be bright and pure.
This Dharani is similar to the Jambunada gold – bright, pure, and soft, can not be tainted by filth and well-liked by all who see it. Lord of Heaven, beings who uphold this Dharani are just as pure. By virtue of this pure practice, they will be reborn in the good paths.”
“Lord of Heaven, where this Dharani dwells, if it is written for distribution, propagated, received and upheld, read and recited, heard and revered, this will cause all evil paths to be purified; miseries and sufferings in all hells will be completely eradicated.”
Buddha again told Lord Shakra cautiously, “If someone could write this Dharani and place It on the top of a tall banner, high mountain or in a tall building or even keep It in a stupa; Lord of Heaven! If there are Bhikshus or Bhiksunis, Upasakas or Upasikas, laymen or laywomen who have seen this Dharani atop the above structures; or if the shadows of these structures should fall on beings who come near to the structures, or particles of dust from the written Dharani are blown onto their bodies;
Lord of Heaven: Should the accumulated evil karma of these beings cause them to fall into the evil paths such as realms of hell, animal, King Yama, hungry ghost, Asura and other, they will all be spared from the evil paths, and they will not be tainted with filth and defilement. Lord of Heaven!
Instead, all Buddhas will bestow predictions (Vyakarana) onto these beings who will never regress from the path to Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi (complete enlightenment).”
“Lord of Heaven, let alone if one makes various offerings of flower wreaths, perfumes, incense, banners and flags, canopies decorated with gems, clothing, necklaces of precious stones, etc, to adorn and honor this Dharani; and at major routes, if one builds special stupas to house this Dharani, then most respectfully with palms together circumambulates the pagoda, bowing and taking refuge, Lord of Heaven, those who make such offerings are called the great Mahasattvas, Buddha’s true disciples, and the pillars of Dharma. Such stupas will be regarded as the Tathagata’s complete body sharira-stupa.”
At that time, in the early part of the night, the ruler of the Hell Realm – King Yama. came to the abode of the Buddha. First, using various Deva garments, beautiful flowers, perfumes and other adornments, he made offerings to the Buddha, then circumambulated the Buddha seven times before prostrating himself at the feet of the Buddha in reverence, saying, “I heard that the Tathagata was giving a discourse in praise of upholding the powerful Dharani; I have come with the intention to learn and cultivate it. I shall constantly guard and protect those who uphold, read and recite this powerful Dharani, not allowing them to fall into hell because they have followed the teachings of the Tathagata.”
At this time, the four Guardians of the world – the Caturmaharajas (Four Heavenly Kings) circumambulated the Buddha three times, and most respectfully said, ” World Honored One, may the Tathagata kindly explain in detail the way to uphold this Dharani.”
The Buddha then told the Four Heavenly Kings, “Please listen attentively, for your benefit as well as for the benefit of all beings with short life spans, I will now explain the method to uphold this Dharani.
On a full-moon day – the 15th day of the lunar month, one should first bathe oneself and put on new clothes, uphold the profound precepts and recite this Dharani a 1000 times. This will cause one to lengthen one’s lifespan, and be permanently free from the sufferings of illness; all one’s karmic hindrances will be completely eradicated. One will also be liberated from suffering in hell. If birds, animals and other sentient beings hear this Dharani once, they will never again be reborn in these impure and gross body forms once their lives have ended.”
The Buddha continued, “If someone from a serious disease hears this Dharani, he will be free from the disease. All other illnesses will also be eradicated, so too will the evil karma that will cause him to fall into the evil paths. He will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss after the end of his life. From then onwards he will no longer be born from the womb. Instead, wherever he is reborn, he will be born transformed from the lotus flower and would always remember and uphold this Dharani and gain knowledge of his past lives.”
The Buddha added, “If someone has committed all the severe evil deeds before his death, according to his sinful deeds, he ought to fall into one of these realms of hell, animals, King Yama or hungry ghosts, or even into the big Avichi Hells, or be reborn as an aquatic creature, or in one of the many forms of birds and animals. If someone could obtain part of the skeleton of the deceased, and holding a fistful of soil, chant this Dharani 21 times before scattering the soil over the bones, then the deceased will be reborn in heaven.”
The Buddha further added, “If one can chant this Dharani 21 times daily, one is worthy of accepting all the immense worldly offerings and will be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss after one’s death. If one chants this Dharani constantly, one will attain Maha Parinirvana and be able to lengthen one’s lifespan besides enjoying the most extraordinary bliss. After one’s life is over, one will reborn in any of the wonderful Buddha lands, in constant company of the Buddhas. All Tathagatas will always give discourses on the profound and wonderful truth of Dharma and all World
Honored Ones will bestow predictions of enlightenment upon one. The light illuminating from one’s body will pervade all Buddha lands.”
The Buddha further explained, “To recite this Dharani, one should first, in front of the Buddha’s image, use some clean soil to construct a square Mandala, the size according to one’s wish. On top of the Mandala one should spread different kinds of grass, flowers and burn different kinds of quality incense. Then kneeling down with the right knee on the floor, mindfully reciting the Buddha’s name and with the hands in the Mudrani symbol, (i.e. each hand bending the forefinger before and pressing it down with the thumb and placing both palms together before the chest) in reverence, one should recite this Dharani
108 times. The showers of flowers would rain down from the clouds and would thus be universally made as offerings to Buddhas as numerous as the grains of sand of eighty- eight million Ganges Rivers. These Buddhas will simultaneously praise,
“Excellent! Rare indeed! A Buddha’s true disciple! ” One will instantly attain Unobstructed Wisdom Samadhi and the Great Bodhi Mind Adorned Samadhi. Thus is the way to uphold this Dharani.”
The Buddha again exhorted Lord Shakra , saying, “Lord of Heaven, the Tathagata uses this expedient means to deliver beings who would otherwise have fallen into hells; to purify all evil paths and to lengthen the life-spans of those who uphold this Dharani. Lord of Heaven, please go back and transmit this Dharani to Devaputra Suṣṭhita. After seven days, come to see me with Devaputra Suṣṭhita.”
Thus, at the abode of the World Honored One, the Lord of Heaven respectfully received this Dharani practice and returned to his heavenly palace to convey it to Devaputra Suṣṭhita.”
Having received this Dharani, Devaputra Suṣṭhita kept to the practice as instructed for six days and six nights, after which all his wishes were completely fulfilled. The karma which should have led him to suffer in all the evil paths were all eradicated. He would remain on the
Bodhi Path and increase his lifespan for an immeasurable period of time.
Thus, he was extremely delighted, exclaiming aloud in praise, “Extraordinary Tathagata! What a rare and wonderful Dharma! Its efficacy explicitly verified! Rare indeed! Truly I have thus obtained deliverance!”
When the seven days were over, Lord Shakra brought Devaputra Suṣṭhita, together with other heavenly beings, respectfully bearing excellent and wonderful adornment of flower- wreaths, perfumes, incense, jeweled banners, canopies decorated with gemstones, Deva- garments and garlands of precious stones, approached Buddha’s abode and presented their grand offerings. Using heavenly garments and various garlands of precious stones to make offerings to the World Honored One, they then respectfully circumambulated the Buddha a hundred thousand times, paid homage to the
Buddha, then happily took their seats and listened to the Buddha preach the Dharma.
The World Honored One then extended his golden arm and touched the crown of Devaputra Suṣṭhita, to whom He not only preached the Dharma but bestowed a prediction of Devaputra Suṣṭhita’s attainment to Bodhi.
Finally, the Buddha said, “This Sutra shall be known as the ‘Purifying All Evil Paths’ Usnisa Vijaya Dharani’. You should diligently uphold it.” On hearing this Dharma, the
entire assembly was extremely happy. They faithfully accepted and respectfully practiced it.
A Ceremony of Chanting Usnisa Vijaya Dharani (for reference only)
(1)Inviting the Triple Jewel from Ten directions
“Namo to the all-encompassing Dharma realm of the universe, the triple jewel of ten directions and of the past, present and future” (3X) (Each 3 times)
“Namo Bhagavate Sakyamunaye Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Loka-vistirna-tejesvara-prabhaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Bhaisajya-guru-vaidurya-prabha-rajaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Pra-bhuta-ratnaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Ratna-sikhinya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Su-rupaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Vipula Gatraya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Abhayam-karaya Tathagataya”
‘Namo Bhagavate Amrta Rajaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Bhagavate Amitabhaya Tathagataya”
“Namo Maitreya Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Great Wisdom Manjusri Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Great Conduct Samanta-bhada Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Great Compassion Aryavalokitesvaraya Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Maha-sthama-prapta Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Great Pure Sea of Bodhisattvas”
“Namo Great Vows Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Dharma Protector Wei Tuo Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Guarding Host Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo all Dharma Guarding Deva Bodhisattvaya”
“Namo Usnisa Vijaya Dharani”
(2) Mantra of Offering
“Om, Amogha Puja Mani Padma Vajre Tathagata Vilokite Samanta Pra-sara Hum”
(3) Reciting Usnisa Vijaya Dharani
(4) Recite any one or all the following (21-108 times)
“Namo Amitabha Buddhaya”
“Namo Aryavalokitesvara Bodhisattva”
“Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva”
(5) True Words of Universal Transference of Merits
“Om, Smara-smara vimala Sara Maha Cakra Vah Hum”
(6) Transference of Merits (a) For individual prayers or prayers on behalf of a person. “May the merits and virtues accrued from this recitation, be transferred to disciple(s) [name(s)], sincerely seeking the blessings and compassion of the triple jewel from ten directions, so that my/our karmic obstruction can be eradicated, be healthy physically and spiritually, my/our wisdom deepened and quickly attain Buddhahood.
At the same time, may all my/our friends and foes (and the ones who have passed away [name(s)] be reborn in the good paths of Western Pureland.” (b) For use during mass gathering or daily recitation.
“May the merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be transferred everywhere and reached everyone.
May all beings and ourselves be born together in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. “May the merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be transferred to the true and unchanging truth, every mind is in accordance with the truth.” “May the merits and virtues accrued from these deeds, be transferred to the highest fruition of Bodhi, every thought is accomplished and perfect to the fruition of Bodhi.” (7) Tree Refuges “To the Buddha I take refuge, may all beings understand the great Way profound ly and bring forth the Bodhi mind.” “To the Dharma I take refuge, may all beings deeply enter the Sutra treasury and have wisdom as vast as the sea. “To the Sangha I take refuge, may all beings form great assembly, all in harmony.”
(Attention! The merits and awesome power of this Mantra is inconceivable, and the effect is also inconceivable.
Please remember to recite the Buddhisattva’s name(s) and transfer the merits after recitation)
NOTE
* Lord Shakra is is the ruler of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven according to Buddhist cosmology. He is also referred to by the title “Śakra, Lord of the Devas” (Sanskrit: Śakra devānāṃ indraḥ; Pali: Sakka devānaṃ inda). The name Śakra (“powerful”) as an epithet of Indra is found in several verses of the Rigveda.
