Susiddhikara Sutra (蘇悉地羯羅經)

About 蘇悉地羯羅經

Tang · Source text translated by 輸波迦羅

40,118 · about 134 min

The Susiddhikara Sutra is a significant esoteric Buddhist scripture from the Tang Dynasty, translated during the Kaiyuan era by the Indian monk Śubhakarasiṃha. This sutra systematically expounds the methods of accomplishment in esoteric practice, detailing rituals such as mantra recitation, abhiṣeka, mandala arrangement, ritual implement usage, and dietary precepts. It emphasizes the purification of the three karmas and the importance of lineage transmission. As one of the core texts of the esoteric teachings transmitted by the Three Great Masters of the Kaiyuan period, it forms, together with the Mahāvairocana Sutra and the Vajraśekhara Sutra, the theoretical and practical foundation of Chinese esoteric Buddhism. It exerted a profound influence on Han Chinese esoteric traditions and later Japanese Shingon Buddhism, holding an esteemed position among esoteric scriptures.