陀羅尼雜集 4.44

4.44

At one time, the World-Honoured One was dwelling beneath the bodhi tree, accompanied by the great disciples Śāriputra, Maudgalyāyana, and others as leaders. There were also immeasurable great bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, named Vajradhvaja Bodhisattva, Vajragarbha Bodhisattva, Maitreya Bodhisattva, and the great beings of the Bhadrakalpa as leaders. At that time, Vajraguhyaka Bodhisattva, receiving the Buddha's spiritual power, spoke these words: "We pray only that the World-Honoured One will explain and expound the Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate to shed great illumination on the world, eliminating malice, harm, and the poisonous intentions of evil companions. If devas, nāgas, yakṣas, rākṣasas, kumbhāṇḍas, humans, and non-humans, as well as various great spirits who consume human essence, use sorcery and demonic poisons, or are hypocritical enemies spying for people's shortcomings—against these, where there is no protection, may the Tathāgata's great compassion eliminate such terrors and establish sentient beings in the pure stage, constantly guarding them while walking, standing, sitting, lying down, and even in dreams, not letting them be anxious or afflicted. Because there are such benefits, I now entreat the Greatly Compassionate Tamer to speak it, and also to protect the minds of those of the Mahāyāna, causing them to firmly practice the non-retrogressing deeds of merit and wisdom, entirely removing malicious harm and preventing premature death." At that time, after Vajraguhyaka Bodhisattva had exhorted the Buddha, he gazed up at the Honoured Countenance with longing mindfulness in his heart. At that time, the World-Honoured One, the Greatly Compassionate Guide, emitted a great thunderous voice echoing throughout the world, and praised Guhyaka Bodhisattva: "Excellent, excellent! Good son! You are truly a person of the bodhisattvas, able to ask such a question so that sentient beings may obtain peace and joy. I now, for the sake of all sentient beings, shall speak this Dhāraṇī of the Wholesome Gate." At that time, Guhyaka felt unprecedented joy: "We pray only that you take pity and explain it well." Thereupon the World-Honoured One told the great being: "Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect upon it well; I shall expound its meaning for you." Guhyaka said: "Indeed, I shall receive your teaching." He then spoke the mantra: