仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經陀羅尼念誦儀軌 1.8

1.8

The commentary states: 'Vajrapāṇi'—according to the Sanskrit text of the Vajraśekhara Yoga Sūtra preserved by the Tripiṭaka Master, it means firmness and effective utility, possessing both senses. According to that sūtra, the Five Bodhisattvas manifest their bodies differently based on two types of wheels: first, the dharma wheel, manifesting their true body, because it is the body attained as the retribution for their practiced vows; second, the injunction wheel, showing an awesome and wrathful body, because they manifest awe-inspiring fierceness out of great compassion. This Vajrapāṇi is none other than Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. As for holding a vajra pestle in his hand, it signifies the arousal of correct wisdom, which, like a vajra, is able to cut through the subtle obstructions of self and dharmas. In accordance with the injunction wheel, he manifests as the awe-inspiring and wrathful Trailokyavijaya Vajra, with four heads and eight arms, subduing all the demon armies and hosts of Maheśvara Great Sovereign Deva that harm the correct Dharma and injure sentient beings, in order to tame them. Emitting blue light signifies the ability to dispel demons and similar hordes. Accompanied by Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Heavenly King of the eastern direction, who leads immeasurable retinues of gandharvas and piśācas, he goes with four koṭis of bodhisattvas to protect that state.