List of chinese buddha mantras

A comprehensive list of Chinese Buddha mantras includes a variety of chants and dhāraṇīs, many of which are central to Mahayana Buddhist practice. These mantras serve diverse purposes, from seeking rebirth in Pure Lands to invoking protection, healing, and wisdom.

Some prominent Chinese Buddha mantras include:

• Buddha-Crown Superb Victory Dhāraṇ (佛頂尊勝陀羅尼): This dhāraṇī is known for its power to overcome hindrances and facilitate spiritual progress.

• Great Cundī Dhāraṇ (准提神咒): A significant mantra in Chinese Buddhism, often recited for various benefits.

• Whole-Body Relic Treasure Chest Seal Dhāraṇ (全身舍利寶篋印陀羅尼): This mantra is associated with relics and their protective qualities.

• Dhāraṇ of Infinite-Life Resolute Radiance King Tathāgata (聖無量壽決定光明王如來陀羅尼): This dhāraṇī is recited for longevity and radiant wisdom.

• Dhāraṇ for Rebirth in the Pure Land (往生咒): Also known as the Pure Land Rebirth Mantra, this is a short mantra recited by Chinese Buddhists, often three times after the Heart Sūtra or Amitābha Sūtra, to aid in rebirth in Amitābha Buddha's Pure Land.

• Root Dhāraṇ of Infinite Life Tathāgata (無量壽如來根本陀羅尼): A longer version of the rebirth mantra for Amitābha Buddha's Pure Land.

• Mantra of Medicine Master Tathāgata (藥師灌頂真言): This mantra, also known as the Medicine Buddha Mantra, is recited for healing and well-being. Both Chinese and Tibetan versions exist, with slight variations, and both are believed to possess healing power.

• Heart Mantra of the White Umbrella Dhāraṇ (楞嚴咒心): This is the heart mantra of the Śūraṅgama Mantra, known for its inconceivable power to annihilate hindrances, eradicate afflictions, and facilitate the attainment of Buddhahood. It is recommended to recite it twenty-one times a day.

• Samantabhadra Bodhisattva’s Mantra (普賢菩薩所説咒): Samantabhadra Bodhisattva pledges to safeguard the Lotus Sūtra and protect those who recite it, and this mantra is associated with his spiritual power and actions.

• Great Compassion-Mind Dhāraṇ (大悲咒): Also known as the Great Compassion Mantra or Maha Karuna Dharani, this is one of the most popular mantras among Chinese Buddhists, particularly associated with Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva. It is recited for purification, healing, and protection, and is believed to expunge grave sins and lead to rebirth in a Buddha Land.

• Prajñā-Pāramitā Mantra (般若波羅蜜多咒): Found in the Heart Sūtra, this mantra signifies the crossing from the shore of birth and death to the shore of enlightenment through higher wisdom.

• Namo Amituofo (南無阿彌陀佛): This is a fundamental chant in Pure Land Buddhism, meaning "Homage to Amitabha Buddha." It is widely practiced for its simplicity and the vast merits associated with Amitabha Buddha, aiming to help beings awaken and leave suffering behind. Variations include chanting "Amituofo" alone, or with accompanying sounds like nature or musical instruments.

• Om Mani Padme Hum (唵嘛呢叭咪吽): While often associated with Tibetan Buddhism, this mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) is also known and sometimes chanted in Chinese Buddhist contexts, representing compassion and wisdom.

• Namo Myoho Renge Kyo (南無妙法蓮華經): This mantra, meaning "Devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra," is central to Nichiren Buddhism, a school with followers in Chinese communities.

These mantras are often recited in various settings, including daily practice, meditation, and devotional ceremonies. Many are available in audio formats for practitioners to listen and chant along.