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The Aura of Wisdom
- Book 154: The Aura of Wisdom
- Chapter 66: The Tantric Mantra is the Dharma Ship
- Written by Sheng-yen Lu
- Translated and edited by True Buddha Foundation
- Translation Team (Cheng Yew Chung, Victor Hazen, Dance Smith)
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Many who recite Tantric mantras wish to know the meaning behind the mantras. I am often approached with this question. My reply is: `Tantric mantras are embedded with a wide range of meanings and significance, and any translation would not do them justice. Therefore they are not given any translation.`
The Commentary on the Nirvana Sutra states, `A mantra is a secret language that flows out from the Buddha`s heart. It is not translated because the translator is unable to comprehend it.`
The Commentary on the Wisdom of Xianshou states, `A mantra is the secret doctrine of all buddhas, which cannot be comprehended by practicing Buddhists. One needs only to recite them - not understand them.`
The Suramgama Sutra states, `The secret doctrine of the mantras of all buddhas is only known and understood between buddhas, for their meanings cannot be readily penetrated by other sages. By reciting these mantras, one`s karmic transgressions are eradicated and one is helped to attain Buddhahood swiftly.`
I shall quote a simple example:
When we are sick, we consult a doctor. The doctor prescribes us an effective medication, but he would not reveal the chemical compound of the medication, like how much protein, zinc, iron, amino acids there are and so forth. The doctor only prescribes us the medicine. And when we take the medicine, we are healed.
Today, the mantras of Tantrayana may not be understood by all sentient beings and all bodhisattvas in the causal stage of bodhisattvahood. But as long as one keeps to the recitation, one shall board the Dharma ship, and find one`s body and mind being transformed into the dharmakaya of Vairocana. One shall travel across the Ocean of Samantabhadra, naturally liberated from life and death, and attain the omnipresent fruition of Buddhahood.
Let me say this. Mantra itself is neither arising nor ceasing, with form nor formless, of which nothing is taken or rejected. It attaches the highest and most supreme meaning to all Dharma, and displays the truth of tranquility of no cause, the truth of non-abiding nirvana, and the truth of non-verbal and non-written doctrine. Thus the mantra is not to be translated.
The Prajnaparamita Sutra states, `Dharani is like a wonderful medicine, and much like the celestial nectar. It can heal all illness, and all who consume this medicine constantly shall receive peace of mind.`
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