Surangama Heart mantra
I googled Magnus's version and found this article which is quite insightful to me:
Source:
https://bodhi-bowl.com/2019/03/14/surangama-heart-mantra/
OM
ANALE ANALE
VISADA VISADA
BANDHA BANDHA
BANDHANI BANDHANI
VAIRA VAJRAPANI PHAT
HUM BHRUM PHAT SVAHA
When I first heard of this mantra, it is touted as
powerful.
Able to subdue all evils.
Receiving blessings of all Buddha.
And many many more benefits.
Like all Mahayana sutra, such claim is meant to attract followers and promote faith in the practice. (That’s what i think) Not saying that they are fabricated.
Just as the wrapper is part of a sweet, perhaps describing its flavour etc; But not meant to be consumed! Likewise, such claim is not meant to inflate our ego….
Unfortunately, many people are so attracted by the wrapper that they did not taste the sweet but chose to eat the wrapper instead.
When I first learnt of the mantra’s “POWER” or “POTENCY” over malevolent forces, I immediately felt like I had learnt a magic spell that will make me invincible over supernatural beings. I was sixteen at that time.
That is a very wrong attitude because it feeds our ego and increases the 3 poisons in our mind.
Buddhism is about conquering ourselves, not other beings.
So it is very important to understand that all Buddhist practice is meant to be internalized. What that means is that the motivation of practice is to get rid of the negativities within ourselves.
In this case, we have to practice Surangama as a way to eliminate hatred, desire, and wrong views within ourselves. That means the “evil” that we wish to subdue is really within ourselves. In our mind.
When practicing this mantra, I will recall it and mentally recite it in my mind when I feel bad thoughts overpowering me. Angry thoughts, desirous ones, laziness, greed etc. It kind of act like a reminder to be better.
Therefore when I feel anger against someone, I recite this mantra to arrest my angry thoughts. The fault lies in me for generating anger out of attachment to an illusory self.
This mantra is not meant to be recited as a curse or hex on people or imaginary foe. Buddha never ever teach hatred.
I was also taught the followings.
It is best to recite this mantra mentally ONLY, when one is outside their home or outside a Buddhist temple. To practice verbal recitation, one should try to do so at home or within a Buddhist temple. I guess that is common sense. You surely do not wish to attract stares in public right?
Another reason is because, the verbal recitation may cause discomfort to unwholesome spiritual beings. We try to be considerate and compassionate when we practice.
After learning this mantra, the goal is to conquer our internal unwholesomeness. (ie. our 3 mental afflictions) It is not our goal to conquer external beings. We should not make it our mission to exorcise evil spirits or supernatural beings.
If we ever have a chance to use this mantra like in the story, “It works“. We must be compassionate and do not harm any beings with malice.
Last but not least and the MOST IMPORTANT.
Not all unexplainable situations and behaviours are caused by unwholesome supernatural beings. We may never experience anything supernatural in our entire life. Which is a good thing.
Unexplainable situations and behaviours can be psychological. If it is supernatural, a few recitation of this mantra will resolve it.
Otherwise, it is more likely due to a psychological disorder. Please see a doctor. (get a shrink)
Combination of professional help and the practice of chanting / meditation (with correct understanding) can help greatly.
Did you ask him to 请pendant with愣严咒. Hang it high up inside the house. I strongly believe that it can be resolved. Can also play 愣严咒 at home.
