Vajraśekhara Sutra Tārā Bodhisattva Recitation Method (金剛頂經多羅菩薩唸誦法)

I take refuge in the Lord of Yoga, the sovereign, Who abides well in the samadhi of illusion. Throughout all pure and impure lands, like oceans, He manifests various forms suited to beings.

I, through the Lotus Connection Gate, Reveal the great compassionate Dharma of Tara, So that those who cultivate samadhi May depart from the non-compassionate concentration of the two vehicles, Swiftly attain the perfection of spiritual powers, And instantly realize the state of a Buddha.

Practitioners should arouse the heart of Samantabhadra, Receive the Vajra precepts fully from a master, And with compassion that disregards body and life, Then they may enter the wheel of liberation.

One should receive the samaya from a master, As well as mudras and secret mantras as taught in the sutras. Revere the acharya as one would the Buddha, And hold sincere respect for fellow practitioners.

Either in mountain retreats, quiet forests, By flowing springs, bathing pools, or pleasant places, On mountain peaks, in caves, or beside solitary trees, Establish the mandala according to the method.

Adorn the pure chamber and place the principal deity, Make offerings according to one's ability, with single-minded focus. Contemplate the ocean of all Buddhas in the ten directions, Repent and make vows as taught.

To perfect the three karmas as vajra, Visualize the syllable HŪM in both hands, on the tongue, and in the heart, Transforming into a five-wisdom vajra scepter, Which through empowerment can accomplish all siddhis.

Next, form the mudra known as "Alertness": Make both hands into vajra fists, Hook the ring and little fingers together, extend the index fingers, And press the two middle fingers together—this is called the "Arising Mudra."

Next, one should pay homage to the Venerable Akshobhya, Who renounced his body to seek the irreversible stage of enlightenment. With hands joined in the diamond gesture, raised above the head, One prostrates fully, touching the ground with the body and heart.

Next, I bow to the precious southern lord, Offering myself to request the empowerment. With hands in diamond gesture at the heart, I touch my forehead to the ground in sincere devotion.

Next, I bow to the noble Avalokiteshvara, Offering my body and seeking Samadhi. With hands joined in vajra mudra placed upon my crown, I prostrate with my mouth to the ground, sincerely praying.

Next, I pay homage to the Unfailing Accomplishment Buddha, Offering my body to seek skillful wisdom. With hands joined in the diamond gesture, placed at the heart, I bow my head to the ground and reverently request.

Next, visualize all Buddhas filling the sky, Join your hands in a gesture of universal reverence at their feet.

Cross your hands with meditation, wisdom, generosity, and knowledge, Place your right knee on the ground and bring your hands to the crown of your head.

Then with the accomplishment of wondrous mantras, May all beings together attain siddhi.

All Tathagatas praise this Dharma, May their blessings swiftly bring fulfillment.

Next, sit cross-legged with an upright posture, Purify the three actions, making them clear and pure. Since the nature of all phenomena is inherently pure, May both myself and others be free from all defilements.

Next, form the Lotus Samaya Mudra, Cross the ten fingers in a firm knot, With the forefingers upright and joined like lotus leaves, Visualize your body as that of the Tārā deity.

Next, form the Seal of the Great Joy Samadhi: Bind the two hands firmly in the gesture of concentration and wisdom, Intertwine the middle fingers representing patience and aspiration, And join the upright fingers of generosity, wisdom, meditation, and insight.

Next, open the heart to enter Buddha's wisdom, With the two breasts, empower with the mantra "Taraṭa." Form the vajra bond before the heart, Three times draw open the heart like unrolling a fan.

Next, visualize the lotus seat's "A" syllable gate, Adorned with two dots, forming tranquil wisdom. Meditative wisdom bends into the diamond binding, The summoning syllable flows into the heart.

Then seal with the Vajra Fist, Empowered by this, all becomes firm. Enter the seal, advance with strength, abide in meditative wisdom— Thus one holds fast without retreating.

Next, form the Lotus Crushes Demons Seal, To cleanse and clear away all hindrances and obstacles.

With hands in vajra anjali, Index fingers like fangs, thumbs raised in meditation, Hold a mind of compassion within, while outwardly showing fierce power, Circle three times to the right to establish the boundary space.