Chapter 4: The Practice
Then, the Vajra-Holder, Lord of Secrets, addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, I beseech you to briefly explain for those who diligently seek accomplishment: the practice of the Buddha-Crown King's True Word, its majestic power and blazing function, and its skillful means for the sake of all beings. World-Honored One, those who seek spiritual attainment, by abiding in the True Word illumination of the Tathāgata's Buddha-Crown King, will swiftly and quickly bring all True Words to accomplishment."
The Buddha said: "Excellent, excellent! O Keeper of Secrets, you are able to inquire into such profound meaning. O Keeper of Secrets, listen now with full attention, and I shall explain to you the most subtle verses of skillful means spoken by all Buddhas. This Dharma-eye has been cultivated by countless Buddhas, for the sake of benefiting and accomplishing all beings."
At that moment, the Buddha Śākyamuni, observing the entire assembly, proclaimed this principle in the Brahma-voice—the supreme among all eyes of the Dharma. The verse says:
With boundless freedom in the Bodhisattva path, Seeing the many beings afflicted by countless sufferings, The Lion of the Śākyas, perceiving the distress of sentient beings, Taught this Dharma. Those who delight in and practice this teaching Will become Buddhas, receiving offerings from gods and humans.
By cultivating this one Dharma, one attains great enlightenment, Becoming the King of Mantras, praised by all. Such a person will soon reach Buddhahood, Liberating immeasurable multitudes.
In solitary places, by great stūpas, By flowing springs and riverbanks, In secluded groves or mountain caves, Amidst flowers and in the hills, Dwelling alone with steadfast mind, Aligned with the Bodhi-mind, With firm faith in the Great Vehicle, One should practice purely and diligently.
In body, speech, and mind, In eating, drinking, and the four postures, The practitioner should always be mindful and restrained. This is the supreme path of the mantra-adept.
Understanding the mantra of samādhi, One attains siddhi. Becoming a master of mantras or vidyās, One practices according to one's will.
Always wearing the three robes, In good company with those of strict discipline, Siddhi is not difficult for them; Such a person will surely attain it.
First, one should pay homage to all Buddhas. The wise should be steadfast. The mantra-adept, even without a companion, Strives diligently for the benefit of sentient beings. Achievement is not difficult for them; They manifest inconceivable forms And attain accomplishment in this very life.
Those who diligently seek siddhi Should always build stūpas, Diligently perform homa and recitation. Then, in this very life, They will swiftly attain accomplishment.
Prudent and skillful, Courageous, diligent, and steadfast, With a heart of great benefit and truth— Such a person is praiseworthy.
With all faculties complete, Wisdom ever straightforward, Able to endure hunger and thirst— Such a person is praiseworthy.
Diligent seekers of accomplishment, If they obtain this essential teaching, Will, before long, Attain the supreme siddhi.
Vajrapani! After my passing, in this age of the Dharma's decline, foolish laymen and laywomen, as well as those wearing the monastic robe—these ignorant beings will engage in all sorts of pointless talk. They will be greedy for pleasures, indolent, and lazy. Such petty individuals do not deeply understand the Tathagata's samadhi, powers, and fearlessness. They disrupt and confuse those who are vigorously advancing on the vast and great Mahayana path. They are those who have not received the empowerment to practice the skillful conduct of a bodhisattva's precepts. Lacking pure faith in the vast and great samadhi of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, they fail to attain accomplishment. Then they slander me and the bodhisattvas, saying things like: 'This is not the Buddha's teaching; it is the teaching of demons.' They insult and revile the bodhisattvas. If good sons and good daughters of the Mahayana who diligently seek to accomplish the practices of the True Word are teased, harmed, or subjected to unbeneficial acts by them, through this cause they will accumulate immeasurable obstacles of sin.
Therefore, Vajrapani! Good sons and good daughters who wish to practice the bodhisattva path should give rise to pure faith, firm and unwavering resolve for the mind of enlightenment. With vast vows, they should constantly copy the great Mahayana scriptures, recite them, uphold them, and expound them for others."
He then spoke this verse: