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Encyclopaedia of Ancient, Obscure and Esoteric East Asian Religious Practices

Aparimitāyurjñāna / Tsédo Recitation

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

Canonical entry drawn from a single source layer in 01_Buddhism.md.

Research layers

Section titled “Research layers”

Layer 1: Aparimitāyurjñāna / Tsédo Recitation

Section titled “Layer 1: Aparimitāyurjñāna / Tsédo Recitation”

Source file: 01_Buddhism.md

Type: Longevity dhāraṇī scripture

Historical purpose

Section titled “Historical purpose”

The Aparimitāyurjñāna Sūtra is one of the most widely used Tibetan longevity texts. Its dhāraṇī is repeated many times in the scripture and its recitation is commissioned for people facing illness or other difficulties.

Basic liturgical method

Section titled “Basic liturgical method”
  1. Set a Mahāyāna motivation.
  2. Take refuge and generate bodhicitta according to the community’s liturgy.
  3. Recollect Aparimitāyurjñāna/Amitāyus.
  4. Read or chant the sūtra.
  5. Repeat its dhāraṇī the number prescribed by the liturgy, teacher or commissioned service.
  6. Direct the aspiration toward long life, removal of obstacles and ultimately awakening.
  7. Dedicate merit to the intended recipient and all beings.

Learning

Section titled “Learning”

For textual study, use the translated Toh 674/675 tradition. For ritual chanting, learn the Tibetan melody and pronunciation from a monastery or lineage rather than inventing a phonetic form.

Reliability: A.