One Commentary to the Vajrakīlaya Root Mantra Revisited
https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2022-59-1-86-104
Abstract
Introduction. Tibetan literature includes a separate class of commentaries to mantras which can be identified as commentaries to tantric texts. This paper examines A Brief Explanation of the Meaning of the Root Mantra of Vajrakīlaya [Titled] ‘The Heart Essence from an Old Man [Who] Holds Knowledge of the Old Translations School’ by Dongak Chokyi Gyatso (1903–1957). The text is viewed as a typical commentary on a Buddhist mantra with special attention be paid to elements of the Vajrakīlaya mantra as objects of analysis. Goals. The article aims to introduce the commentary to the Vajrakīlaya mantra into scientific circulation and provide insight into meanings of elements within a Buddhist mantra as such. Materials. The study explores A Brief Explanation of the Meaning of the Root Mantra of Vajrakīlaya contained in the second volume (za) of Collected Works by Tulku Sungrab from Nyenmo Monastery (Tib. snyan dgon sprul sku gsung rab pa’i gsung ‘bum) published in three volumes by the Sichuan People’s Publishing House (tib. si khron mi rigs dpe skrun khang) in Chengdu, 2006. The Collected Works are included in volumes 21–23 (zha, za, ’a) of the Golog Ancient Books Collection (Tib. mgo log dpe rnying dpe tshogs). Results. The study presents a brief biography of Dongak Chokyi Gyatso, examines the meaning of deity Vajrakīlaya’s name, translates and transliterates A Brief Explanation of the Meaning of the Root Mantra of Vajrakīlaya.
Supporting agencies: The reported study was funded by government subsidy, project no. АААА-А19-119011490036-1 ‘Oral and Written Heritage of Mongolic Peoples of Russia, Mongolia and China: Cross-Border Traditions and Interactions’.
About the Author
Bembya L. Mitruev
Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Research Associate, Postgraduate Student
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Review
For citations:
Mitruev B.L. One Commentary to the Vajrakīlaya Root Mantra Revisited. Oriental Studies. 2022;15(1):86-104. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2022-59-1-86-104
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