The Cundī Dhāraṇī: Purifying the Mind and Fulfilling Aspirations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Buddhists initiated the recitation of the Cundī Dhāraṇī.
 
Through upholding the Cundī Dhāraṇī, they sought to purify and settle their minds,
give rise to wisdom, learn to shift their perspectives, find peace within themselves and bring peace to others, thereby remaining calm and composed even in the harshest circumstances.

— Chiu Hui-min (邱惠敏)
 
Since the end of 2019, the world has been overshadowed by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Many people have come to realize that impermanence encompasses every aspect of life. Facing death and an uncertain future, people have sought ways to find peace of mind. The Cundī Dhāraṇī---regarded as a mantra capable of dispelling calamities, averting misfortune and fulfilling all aspirations--- was once again taken up by many Buddhists during this critical time, thereby using mantra recitation to settle body and mind.
 
In the Sūtra Spoken by the Buddha on the Great Cundī Dhāraṇī, the Heart of the Seven Koṭi Buddhas’ Mother, it is stated:
"Furthermore, there is a method: if in various lands the balance of rain and drought is disrupted, epidemics and poisons spread…If this mantra is recited once and placed into fire to be burned, or recited continuously for seven days and seven nights, the six sections of day and of night without interruption, all disasters and epidemics will be completely eliminated."
 
Many religious organizations therefore encouraged group practice of the Cundī Dhāraṇī. Through the power of mantra recitation shared by those with the same aspiration and practice, practitioners seek the protection of Cundī Bodhisattva, praying for the dissipation of the pandemic, as well as peace and well-being for the land.
 
Upholding the Cundī Dhāraṇī to Attain Present-Life Joy
 
In times of global upheaval and an uncertain future, people naturally hope to be free from suffering and attain happiness in this very life—that is, to gain benefits in the present world. Venerable Yin Shun (印順長老), in his Commentaries on the Medicine Buddha Sūtra, wrote: "Modern people place great importance on real, lived experience. They seek an ideal and peaceful life in the present world. The happiness spoken of in the Buddhadharma falls into three kinds:
 
(1) present-life joy,
(2) joy in future lives, and
(3) the ultimate joy of liberation.
 
Sentient beings endure the torment of many kinds of suffering and therefore seek liberation from pain and incline toward happiness… Because sentient beings vary in spiritual capacities and live in different times and circumstances, the forms of happiness and well-being they seek also differ… However, modern people, in particular, place special emphasis on joy in this present life."
 
Recognizing this emphasis on well-being in the here and now, Master Tai Xu (太虛大師) gave special teachings on the Medicine Buddha Sūtra. The Cundī Dhāraṇī shares a similar function with the Medicine Buddha Sūtra—both place special importance on present-life joy.
 
Relying on the blessings and protection from the great compassionate vows of boundless Buddhas and bodhisattvas, reciting the Cundī Dhāraṇī supports the accomplishment of all wholesome and excellent endeavors. This includes blessings closely related to everyday life: intelligence and wisdom, harmony and mutual respect between spouses, improved interpersonal relationships, having been blessed with children, enjoying longevity, healing from illness, eradication of karmic offenses, prayers for timely rain, and protection from harm caused by malevolent spirits or criminals—all may be fulfilled.
 
Moreover, Cundī Dhāraṇī scriptures state that those who recite the mantra one million times may personally behold the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats manifesting to teach the Dharma. Furthermore, they may, according to their wishes, be reborn in the Pure Land to which they aspire.
 
The founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, Master Sheng Yen, often recommended the recitation of the Cundī Dhāraṇī when hearing that disciples wish to ordain but encounter obstacles, or that lay practitioners are facing hardship. Over thirty years ago, Venerable Guo-Jun (果竣法師) wished to ordain but encountered strong opposition from family members. Through dedicated recitation of the Cundī Dhāraṇī, the aspiration was eventually fulfilled, and ordination was completed successfully. After entering monastic life, Venerable Guo-jun described himself as having "heavy obstacles, thin blessings, and insufficient confidence." He frequently encountered illness, interpersonal difficulties, or environmental challenges that hindered his practice. Time and again, these obstacles were resolved through continuous recitation of the Cundī Dhāraṇī.
 
Cundī Bodhisattva: A Manifestation of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin)
 
In the Great Calming and Contemplation (摩訶止觀), Master Zhiyi (智者大師) wrote:
"The six-syllable Dhāraṇī can destroy the obstruction of afflictions, purify the roots of the three poisons, and indubitably lead to the path of Buddhahood. The six syllables are the manifestations of six Avalokiteśvaras, capable of breaking through the three obstacles of the six realms." Among the Six Avalokiteśvaras, the "Avalokiteśvara as the Divine Hero" is Cundī Bodhisattva, a manifestation specifically dedicated to liberating beings in the human realm. Thus, Cundī Bodhisattva is also known as "Cundī Avalokiteśvara," and reciting the Cundī Dhāraṇī is one of the Avalokiteśvara Dharma methods.
 
The Cundī Dhāraṇī provides a compassionate refuge and the power to fulfill aspirations. Compared with reciting the Buddha's name or the Great Compassion Mantra, it is relatively easy to memorize and recite. For this reason, many people adopt it as their regular daily practice. Tea ceremony instructor Meng Qiaofeng (孟巧鳳) shared that reciting the Buddha's name sometimes led her mind to wander. On the other hand, the Cundī Dhāraṇī, being of moderate length, helped her remain focused. For her, the progression from reciting the four-line verse to chanting the Cundī Dhāraṇī carries a strong sense of ritual—taking refuge in the Three Jewels, reciting the mantra, and invoking the bodhisattva's blessing—thus making it easier to give rise to faith and sincerity. Through repeated recitation, she not only found a way out of family hardship but also learned to view interpersonal conflicts with greater equanimity.
 
This transformation accords with what Master Sheng Yen taught: "Change your habitual tendencies and become a person of reason and wisdom. Change your attitude toward the environment; then even the harshest conditions can be faced with calm composure."

When body and mind are transformed and one learns to shift perspective, conditions also change. This is the true key to the efficacy of the Cundī Dhāraṇī.
 
Resolving Obstacles on the Path, and Moving Forward
 
Venerable Guo Xing (果醒法師), Master of Dharma Drum Mountain Chan Hall, wrote in his introduction to "50 Questions about Buddhist Dharanis and Mantras":

"Mantras are the virtuous vows made by Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors. They possess inconceivable power." In Sanskrit, a mantra is called a dhāraṇī, meaning "total retention." It retains all wholesome dharmas without loss and prevents unwholesome dharmas from arising, thereby accumulating immeasurable merit. For practitioners, mantra recitation serves as total retention. When we recite mantras with faith and utmost sincerity—again and again invoking and recollecting the vows and virtues of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas—afflictions do not arise, the mind becomes settled and pure, and we gain the clarity and strength to address present difficulties skillfully.
 
Venerable Guo Jun, who has continuously upheld the Cundī Dhāraṇī since ordination, shared:

"When obstacles arise, the Cundī Dhāraṇī is an excellent support for practice. If one continues reciting without interruption—until obstacles, illness, and karmic hindrances are gradually removed—body and mind become settled and at ease. Only then can one return fully to practice, which is what is meant by ‘when the body is at ease, the Way flourishes.’"
 
Upholding the Cundī Dhāraṇī is a method for gathering the mind and bringing peace to the heart. It is a powerful support for cultivation, helping us remain stable and composed in the face of all challenges.

More importantly, we learn from Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva to give rise to great compassion, reciting the Cundī Dhāraṇī in resonance with Avalokiteśvara's original vows—treating all beings with compassion, reducing suffering in this Saha world, and bringing forth greater warmth, loving-kindness, and cooling wisdom.

Related articles:

Let Us Together Uphold the Cundī Dhāraṇī

The Cundī Dhāraṇī: Purifying the Mind and Fulfilling Aspirations

[Introduction Part 1] What is the "Cundi Mantra" about?

[Introduction Part 2]: Cundi Mantra Q&As

[Sharing Session] Venerable Guo Jun: A Lifetime Never Parted from the Cundi Mantra


Resource: Issue 465 of Humanity Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photo: Issue 465 of Humanity Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: Anne Yeow (姚麗萍) 
Editing: Keith Brown, Patricia Yang