Luo Wana's Sutra on Healing Children's Illnesses (囉嚩拏說救療小兒疾病經)

The Sutra Spoken by Rāvaṇa on Healing Children's Diseases

Translated by Tripitaka Master Mingjiao of the Western Regions, Court Gentleman for Ceremonial Service, Provisional Grand Master of Imperial Entertain

At that time, Ravana observed all the children in the world, from their birth until the age of twelve, who are in a state of infancy and foolishness, their spirit not yet fully formed, making them vulnerable to ghosts and demons. There are twelve Matrika demons who roam the world, constantly seeking opportunities day and night. They may appear when children are asleep or when they are alone, manifesting in various terrifying forms to frighten them, causing them to lose their normal state. They then suck away their vital energy, leading to illness and even premature death. "Seeing this, I am deeply moved by compassion. I will now explain the twelve Matrika demons, the times and conditions under which they afflict children, the symptoms of the illnesses they cause, and the great mantra methods for healing and rescue. I will also describe the rituals for making offerings. If there are those who hear my teachings and suffer from such afflictions, let the mantra practitioner follow my methods to perform healing. With sincere devotion, they will surely attain relief, peace, and auspiciousness. The names of the twelve Matrika demons are: Matri(1), Sunana(2), Rivati(3), Mukha Manika(4), Vinari(5), Shakuni(6), Putana(7), Shushka(8), Aryaka(9), Rambha(10), Bili Binkika(11), Skanda(12)."

"These twelve types of Matriarch Ghosts, such as these, seize and bewitch children, demanding sacrifices. I will now describe the signs and appearances of each type of possession. If a child is seized by a ghost on the day, month, or year of their birth, it is the Matriarch Ghost named Madari-nana who has taken hold. The child will first suffer from alternating chills and fever, their body will become thin and weak, gradually withering away. Their mind will be confused and restless, their body will constantly tremble and shake, and they will cry without eating. The practitioner should take soil from the banks of two rivers and form it into an image of the afflicted child. Place this image facing west within a mandala drawn in the four directions. Then, within the mandala, arrange various incenses and flowers, along with white-colored food and drink, even including wine and meat. Also set up seven banner poles and light seven lamps. Then, using white mustard seeds, fox dung, cat dung, benzoin resin, and snake skin—combine these medicines with ghee from a yellow cow to make an incense, and fumigate the child with its smoke. Next, use hemp seeds, sesame seeds, vitex seeds or leaves, along with leaves of the pippala tree and the varaka medicine. Boil these five medicines in water and bathe the child with the decoction. Then recite the great mantra, empowering the offerings and various items in the mandala as described above. The great mantra to recite is:"

Om. I bow to the Noble Avalokiteshvara, the Tathagata, the great compassionate one, the supreme being, the one who removes all suffering, the one who grants all wishes, the one who protects all beings, the one who bestows peace and happiness, the one who is adorned with all virtues, the one who is the embodiment of great compassion. May all be auspicious and blessed.