A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c32.135

v2.c32.135

From the fact, however, that the pious Chinese pilgrim repeats the Suramgama Sútra for his protection, we may conclude, since he is by no means a pronounced Maháyánist, that the predisposing causes for the origin of the Tantras were already in existence. "In this Sútra is contained the most complete list of Dháranís (invocations) found in any Chinese compilation. There are 426 distinct sections containing the names of the different Buddhas and Hindu deities worshipped at the time of the composition of the Sútra. Considering that Fah-hian in the early part of the 5th century regarded this book with reverence. . . . . . We may reasonably assign it to a period not later than the end of the 1st century. Now amongst the invocations we find distinct reference to Dhyání Buddha, Vairochana, Akshobhya, Amitábha and others shewing that they were coming to be recognised and worshipped even at that early date."*