320 · about 1 min
The Horse-Headed Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani is an important mantra in Buddhist Tantra, originating from the esoteric scriptures of the Taishō Tripiṭaka and traditionally taught by the Buddha. Its historical roots can be traced back to Indian Tantric Buddhism, later transmitted to China by translators such as Śubhakarasiṃha. This dharani centers on Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva in the form of Hayagrīva as its principal deity, with the core purpose of dispelling obstacles, subduing afflictions, and bringing about the cessation of calamities and the increase of blessings. The mantra's sounds evoke the imagery of a horse's neigh, symbolizing the power to shatter ignorance and sever negative thoughts. Within Buddhism, this mantra belongs to the Avalokiteśvara practice lineage and is highly regarded in both Tibetan and East Asian Tantric traditions as a key ritual practice, embodying the union of the bodhisattva's compassion and fierce transformative energy.