PREFACE

109

The formulation of basic secret doctrines that belong to the
secret sect is not very difficult, although there are hundreds of
Sutras preaching different Dharanis for the following reasons:

1. 
   

   The Sutras of Secret Buddhism emphasize spiritual
   applications over theories.

   
   


2. 
   

   Although there are many completely different details,
   all the Sutras have these points in common: the place of the
   Dharma assembly, the audience, the opportunity for the lecture,
   the rules on altar setting, on drawing or painting the statues, on
   Homa ceremony, on praising the merits of Dharanis, the titles of
   the Buddhas supporting the Dharanis, and their
   recommendations.

   
   


3. 
   

   There are many Dharanis. However one needs to
   practice just one mantra and all other Dharanis will also be
   successful.

   
   


4. 
   

   The section on Secret Buddhism Doctrine in the
   Tripitaka contains 25 volumes of Dharanis. They are:

   
   

The Buddha's collection: introduced by the Buddhas

The Lotus' collection: Kwan Yin's Dharani introduced by

the saints.

Vajra's collection: Vajrapani's Dharani introduced by the

saints.

Ratna's collection: Buddha's Dharani introduced by Deities

and saints. Karmadana's collection: Buddha's Dharani

introduced by the Gods and Demons.

Each of the five volumes has 5 sub-categories, altogether

25 sets.