Sutra of the Incantation of the Bodhisattva Marici, Spoken by the Buddha

Translated by the Tripitaka Master Amoghavajra of Daxingshan Temple by Imperial Command

This is what I heard:

At that time, the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove of Anathapindika's Park in the city of Shravasti, accompanied by 1,250 great Arhats. There were also countless great Bodhisattvas, with Maitreya Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Guanyin Bodhisattva as the foremost among them, as well as Marichi and other heavenly beings, dragons, and the eightfold assembly gathered around.

Then, Shariputra rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, placed his right knee on the ground, and with palms joined, addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, in the future age, during the time of the Dharma's decline, what practices can sentient beings undertake to free themselves from all difficulties?"

The Buddha said to Shariputra, "Listen carefully, listen carefully. I will now explain this matter to you." At that time, the assembly rejoiced and leapt for joy, earnestly urging the Buddha to continue.

At that time, the World-Honored One addressed the monks: "In the sky before the sun, there is a deity named Marici. He possesses great supernatural powers and the freedom of mastery. He always travels before the sun—the sun cannot see him, yet he can see the sun. No one can see him, no one can know him, no one can capture him, no one can harm him, no one can deceive him, no one can bind him, no one can claim his wealth, no one can punish him. He does not fear enemies who might take advantage of him."

The Buddha said to the bhikkhus: "If someone knows the name of the goddess Marici, that person becomes invisible and unknowable, cannot be captured or harmed, cannot be deceived or bound by others, cannot have their wealth seized or be punished by others, and cannot be taken advantage of by enemies."

The Buddha addressed the assembly of monks, saying: "If a virtuous man or woman knows the name of the deity Marici, they should recite as follows: 'I, disciple so-and-so, because I know the name of the deity Marici, no one can see me, no one can know me, no one can seize me, no one can harm me, no one can deceive me, no one can bind me, no one can claim my wealth, no one can punish me, nor can any enemy gain advantage over me.' This mantra possesses great divine power, accomplishes all endeavors, and destroys all evils. If used to establish a protective boundary, within a hundred yojanas, no evil can enter."

Then the World-Honored One spoke the mantra:

I take refuge in the Buddha.(1) I take refuge in the Dharma.(2) I take refuge in the Sangha.(3) Thus it is said:(4) Araka-masi.(5) Mara-masi.(6) Sutu-masi.(7) Cipra-masi.(8) Maha-cipra-masi.(9) Marici-masi.(10) Antardhana-masi.(11) Homage to the pure one.(12) Svaha.(13)

Protect me in times of royal persecution, Protect me from the danger of bandits, Protect me while I travel on the road, Protect me when I am lost in the wilderness, Protect me by day, Protect me by night, Protect me from the danger of water, Protect me from the danger of fire, Protect me from the danger of demons, Protect me from the danger of evil spirits, Protect me from the danger of poison.

With words of truth, the Buddha protects me, With words of truth, the Dharma protects me, With words of truth, the Sangha protects me, With words of truth, the devas protect me, With words of truth, the sages protect me.

Invocation of Marici, also known as the Marici Body Mantra. The mantra is as follows:

Namo Ratna Trayaya (Homage to the Triple Gem), Marici Tathagataya (To Marici, the Thus-Come One), Mahabhuti Isami (Great Powerful One, the Noble Lady), Tadyatha (Thus): Varali, Vartali, Varaha-mukhi (O Radiant One, O Turning One, O Boar-Faced One), Sarva Dushta (All evil ones), Bandha Bandha (Be bound, be bound!), Svaha!

The Buddha addressed the assembly of monks, saying: "If there is someone who recognizes and venerates the Bodhisattva Marīcī, they will be freed from all obstacles and calamities—such as troubles from rulers, bandits, ferocious beasts, poisonous creatures, floods, fires, and the like. Among all practices, this method is supreme for those who wish to follow it. One who holds this mantra will be protected within a hundred yojanas in the direction they face; no malevolent spirits or harmful people will be able to take advantage of them. When journeying into perilous situations, rise at dawn and recite the previously given body-protection mantra. Chant over a handful of water and sprinkle it to the four directions, as well as upon yourself. Then, take the corner of your robe, sleeve, or monastic garment, recite the mantra once and tie a knot—repeat this three times in total. Afterward, proceed into the danger. Continuously recite the two great mantras mentioned earlier as you travel. All hostile forces, military guards, and authorities will become confused and intoxicated, completely unaware of your presence."

After the Buddha finished speaking this sutra, he addressed the bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, upasakas, upasikas, kings, ministers, and all the people, saying: "Those who hear this Marici Dharani spoken by the Buddha and wholeheartedly uphold it will not be harmed by any evil. Bhikkhus! If there are those who can copy, recite, and uphold it—whether placing it in their hair knot or carrying it in their clothing—all evils will retreat and scatter, and none will dare to oppose them." Then the fourfold assembly and the eightfold host of devas and nagas paid homage to the Buddha and withdrew, joyfully putting it into practice.