大毘盧遮那成佛經疏 5.4

5.4

Next, the ritual of the vajra-cord should be performed. In making the cord, one should select superior, fine strands of thread, wash them with scented water to make them extremely pure, and have a pure maiden twist them to the right. In twisting the five-colored threads, one should use the mantras of the five Tathāgatas, each empowering one color, and then comprehensively empower them with the mantra for accomplishing all activities. Making the cord for the maṇḍala is also like this. As for the colors of the five Tathāgatas: Mahāvairocana Buddha empowers white; Ratnaketu empowers red; Saṃpuṣpitagātra empowers yellow; Amitāyus empowers green; and Dundubhinirghoṣa Buddha empowers black. The ācārya first takes the cord himself, ties three knots to form the vajra-knot, and ties it around his left arm to protect himself; next, he ties it to the arms of the disciples one by one. In taking in the disciples in this manner, their entering the maṇḍala will be free from obstacles and tribulations. The method of the vajra-knot cannot be explained in detail in writing; it should be received in person from the ācārya. Furthermore, the five-colored cord is precisely the five wisdoms of the Tathāgata, and is also the five dharmas of faith, vigor, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. Because these five dharmas thread and subsume all teachings, it is therefore called sūtra; the old translation called it the 'cord scripture'. If an ācārya who has seen the truth is able to empower the five good roots in the disciples' bodhicitta with the five wisdoms of the Tathāgata, threading the myriad practices and tying them to the arm of yoga, he causes them to traverse birth and death without ever being lost or ruined. Only when one is able to embrace disciples in this way is it called skillfully making the vajra-knot. The ācārya says: "When wishing to perform the ritual for the disciples on this night, the offerings should be reduced to half of those of the seventh night. In addition, one should observe their inclinations and capacities, praise the secret teachings, arouse their desire and delight to fortify their minds, and distinguish for them the ten kinds of expedient trainings." However, this precept of unhindered wisdom throughout the three times should be heard by all who establish an affinity. As for the four root [precepts] and the samaya, along with another verse, one should whisper the instructions in their ear; only those receiving the complete consecration ought to hear it. The two verses of admonition are also Ārṣa; if one is able to recite the Sanskrit text in full, it is all the better; they are set forth below: