大毘盧遮那成佛神變加持經 (Shubhakarasimha & Yixing 724) 1.16

1.16

practiced yoga, and dwell in the intrepid bodhi-mind. Lord of Mysteries, such

an exemplary ācārya is extolled by the buddhas and bodhisattvas.

“Next, Lord of Mysteries, should that ācārya see a being who is suit-

able as a receptacle for the Dharma, is free from sullies, has great faith-and-

understanding, assiduity, and profound faith, and is always thinking of benefit-

ing others—should the disciple possess such characteristics, the ācārya

should of his own accord go and exhort him, addressing him as follows:

‘Son of the Buddha, these methods of the path of mantra practice

in the Great Vehicle

I shall now explain for [you,] a receptacle for the Great Vehicle.

The Fully and Perfectly Awakened Ones of the past and the

World-honored Ones

Of future ages and of the present abide in bringing benefit to beings.

These worthy ones understand the wondrous method of mantras;

Striving Heroes, they have obtained [all-]faceted knowledge while

seated in characteristicless bodhi.

The power of mantras is without compare, and [with it] the Lion of

the Śākyas, savior of the world,

Was able to destroy the very strong and extremely wrathful army

of Māra.

Therefore you, O Son of the Buddha, should with such wisdom

And expedient means perform [rites of] accomplishment so that you

obtain sarvajña[jñāna] (knowledge of an omniscient one).’

The practitioner (i.e., ācārya), having with a compassionate mind

inspired [the disciple], should further encourage him,

And when [the disciple] is firmly established and has received the

teachings, he should select a flat site.

Mountain groves with plentiful flowers and fruits and with

agreeable pure springs—

These are extolled by the buddhas, and [there] he should perform

the deeds of the circular altar (i.e., maṇḍala).

Or in a place by a flowing river graced with geese and cranes,

There, with wise understanding, he should construct the maṇḍala

‘Born of Compassion.’

Localities formerly frequented by Perfectly Awakened Ones, masters

of dependent [arising] (i.e., pratyekabuddhas),

And multitudes of śrāvakas of the Sage are always praised by

the Buddha.

Furthermore, in other places such as monasteries, araṇyas

(hermitages),

Flower[-decked] houses, high towers, exquisite ponds and parks,

Caityas, shrines for the Fire God (Agni), cow pens, river sandbars,

Temples of gods, empty rooms, and places where seers have

attained the path—

In places such as these described above or [others] pleasing to

the mind