Moonlight Bodhisattva Mantra
The exact source of the “Moonlight Bodhisattva Mantra” is the Mahayana Buddhist scripture“The Great Compassion Heart Dharani Sutra of the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva” (abbreviated as the “Great Compassion Heart Dharani Sutra” or the “Great Compassion Sutra”), translated by the Tang-dynasty Indian monkGavadharma.
Background in the scripture
- Scriptural context: In the latter part of the sutra, Moonlight Bodhisattva, in order to protect all practitioners who recite and uphold the Great Compassion Mantra, personally proclaimed this dharani before the Buddha and the assembly.
- Relationship with Sunlight Bodhisattva: In the scripture,Sunlight Bodhisattva first proclaimed the “Sunlight Bodhisattva Mantra,” and thenMoonlight Bodhisattva also proclaimed the “Moonlight Bodhisattva Mantra.” The two bodhisattvas jointly made vows to provide dual protection for beings who practice the Great Compassion Heart Dharani and to remove obstacles to their benefit.
Merit:
- Removing obstacles and averting disasters: Reciting this mantra can ward off demons, dispel natural disasters, and eradicate all karmic offenses.
- Protecting practice: Anyone who upholds the Great Compassion Mantra will have Moonlight Bodhisattva and Sunlight Bodhisattva come together as witnesses and provide protection, allowing practice to proceed smoothly and be brought to completion.
- Having a dignified appearance: The scripture records that if one can recite the mantra once every morning, noon, and evening, and bow to the Buddha once, then in a future life one may receive the karmic reward of having a dignified appearance.
The original text is as follows:
Deeply low, Di Tusu Zha
Aruomi Di Wuduzha
Shenqizha Polaidi
Yeminiuzha Wuduzha
Juluodi Zhaqimozha
Svaha