第一明五菩薩現威德
First: Five Bodhisattvas Display Majestic Virtue
Tang · Source text translated by 不空
8,177 · about 27 min
The Ritual Manual for Reciting Dhāraṇīs from the *Prajñāpāramitā Sutra for Benevolent Kings Who Protect Their Countries* Translated by the Tripitaka Master Amoghavajra of the Tang Dynasty, a renowned esoteric master. This scripture belongs to the esoteric Buddhist tradition, with the core purpose of protecting the nation and pacifying calamities. Its contents include dhāraṇī mantras and recitation rituals, emphasizing the safeguarding of national stability, the dispelling of disasters, and the invocation of blessings through the recitation of Prajñāpāramitā mantras. Amoghavajra, one of the Three Great Masters of the Kaiyuan Era, held a significant position in the development of Tang Esoteric Buddhism. This scripture reflects the close connection between esoteric teachings and state governance. Within Chinese Buddhism, it is regarded as one of the sutras for protecting the nation, serving both religious practice and social functions. It is an important text for the study of Tang Dynasty esoteric Buddhism and Buddhist political thought.