Aparimitāyus Vision and Longevity Practice
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Canonical entry drawn from a single source layer in 01_Buddhism.md.
Research layers
Section titled “Research layers”Layer 1: Aparimitāyus Vision and Longevity Practice
Section titled “Layer 1: Aparimitāyus Vision and Longevity Practice”Source file:
01_Buddhism.md
Text: The Dhāraṇī “Essence of Immeasurable Longevity and Wisdom” (Toh 850)
Historical purpose
Section titled “Historical purpose”Vision of Aparimitāyus and the buddhas of the ten directions; aspiration for rebirth in Sukhāvatī; longevity/wisdom associations.
Materials
Section titled “Materials”Clean seat, textual dhāraṇī, optional image of Aparimitāyus/Amitāyus.
First practice: ten-day observance
Section titled “First practice: ten-day observance”- Establish the intention to encounter/recollect Aparimitāyus and aspire toward Sukhāvatī.
- For ten days, maintain the observance.
- Each day perform prostrations three times during the day.
- Perform prostrations three times during the night.
- Accompany the observance with recitation of the Dundubhisvararāja dhāraṇī as specified in the scripture.
- Maintain recollection of Aparimitāyus throughout the cycle.
- The scripture describes visions of Aparimitāyus and the buddhas of the ten directions as a result/sign of successful practice.
Second visualization
Section titled “Second visualization”- Visualize Aparimitāyus seated on his lotus seat.
- Visualize his particular bodhi tree.
- Visualize Avalokiteśvara accompanying him.
- Visualize Mahāsthāmaprāpta accompanying him.
- Recite the associated dhāraṇī.
- Sustain the visualization without forcing imagery.
- Close with aspiration for rebirth in Sukhāvatī.
How to learn
Section titled “How to learn”The textual practice can be studied directly from Toh 850. For a living Amitāyus/Aparimitāyus sādhana, receive instruction from the relevant Tibetan lineage because later sādhana is more elaborate than this scripture.
Reliability: A.