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Dharani daily, there are few who understand Secret Buddhism
Doctrine. This has resulted in prejudice and misunderstanding
about the esoteric doctrine.
Occasionally, there were a few monks who practiced the
Secret Buddhism without ever having the traditional transmission
of the doctrine through initiation (Abhisekha). Thanks to their
religious commitment they were able to obtain the spiritual
powers from the Bodhisattvas and thereby fulfilled their vow for
saving people. They were able to perform magic and convert
people. They were worthy of enjoying the peaceful Dharma for
themselves, but were not able to transmit it to the disciples.
Therefore, Secret Buddhism in Vietnam remains hidden but for a
few select individuals.
In the recent past, there were a few well-known monks
holding a special status in Vietnam who practiced Secret
Buddhism. For example, Venerable Thich Vien Duc had received
the secret seal from Masters Van An and Tu Thanh in Phu Yen.
He practiced the doctrine and attained spiritual powers. He was
famous for using yantras to cure heart disease and for other
miraculous works. He was credited with translating the chapters
on Secret Buddhism from the Chinese Great Store Sutra and
promoting them. The study of Secret Buddhism Doctrine began
to flourish through the daring publication of the following Secret
scriptures in Vietnamese:
Thoroughness in Exoteric and Secret Sutra
Chun Ti Dharani Sutra
Mahayana Precious Solemn King Sutra
Great Precious Wisdom-Heaven palace pillars