Buddha Akshobhya: The Immovable Wisdom

Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya is regarded as one of the five Dhyani Buddhas, the supreme manifestations of the one absolute, all-pervading Buddha nature. Like the other Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, Akshobhya has a Buddha field in the East known as the Pure Land Abhirati (The Ultimate Joy). His realm, called Abhirati, radiates a sense of steadiness and holiness that captures the essence of who he is.

The Sanskrit word “Akshobhya” translates to “The Unshakable.” The title reflects his unwavering nature, comparable to the diamond’s permanence. Akshobhya, an integral part of the Vajra family, signifies wisdom that eliminates ignorance and offers steadiness despite the uncertainties of life.

The radiant presence of Akshobhya Buddha shines as a symbol of unshakeable commitment and dedication to Buddhist philosophy and spirituality. Akshobhya Buddha is a profound representation of the immovable morality of enlightenment, with a calm demeanor and a presence that emanates peacefulness.

Here is a video created by Buddha Weekly which will help you understand more about Buddha Akshobhya.

The passage describes the virtues and protective powers associated with the Immovable Buddha (Acala) and his pure land, as recorded in the “Sutra of the Adornment of the Buddha Land of the Immovable Buddha.” Here is a translation into English:

“In this world, to the east, lies the Joyful Land of Merit, where the Akshobhya currently resides, lives long, and preaches innumerable Dharma doors. All who are reborn in this Buddha land possess rare and unparalleled virtues. Whoever upholds the name of the Akshobhya Buddha will receive his compassionate remembrance, making them impervious to all evil spirits and free from severe hailstorms, infectious diseases, and disasters. Any sentient being who aspires to be reborn in this land instantly becomes like an unretreating Bodhisattva. The sutra elaborately praises such devotion towards the Tathagata.

In the eastern Joyful World, Akshobhya Tathagata— the Immovable Tathagata—

When one sees others angry or feels anger themselves, chanting ‘Namo Akshobhya Tathagata’ (Akshobhya Tathagata, who became a Buddha through practicing patience and upholding pure precepts in past lives, and in whose land all beings have the foremost appearance) can be beneficial.

When one feels desire, or when another feels desire towards them (for example, if a man sees you and desires to harm you), chanting Akshobhya Tathagata can also be protective, especially for girls walking at night.

Chanting for the safety of pregnant women and the peaceful passing of aborted children is also encouraged (Namo Akshobhya Tathagata).

In the Vajrayana, the Immovable Tathagata is the head of the Vajra family, representing the will of all Tathagatas. Mipham Rinpoche’s ‘Sutra of the Merit of the Hundred Syllables’ says: ‘The heart mantra of the Immovable Tathagata can purify all karmic obstructions. Whoever carries this mantra will never die an untimely death. No matter if it’s birds, beasts, non-human beings, or any sentient being that hears this mantra, they will not fall into lower realms. If the name of this Tathagata is chanted with compassion a hundred, a thousand, or a hundred thousand times after the death of a being, even those reborn in hell can be immediately liberated.'”

This translation attempts to convey the essence and spiritual significance of the Immovable Buddha and his associated practices, emphasizing the protective and purifying benefits of devotion to Akshobhya.

The Sacred Dharani Of Akshobhya (Akshobhya Buddha Mantra )

“Namo Ratna Trayāya
Oṃ Kaṃkani Kaṃkani
Rochani Rochani
Troṭani Troṭani
Trāsani Trāsani
Pratihana Pratihana
Sarva Karma Paramparāṇi Me Svāhā Sato
Nantsa Svaha”

This video will help you to understand the pronunciation of the above mantra.

Virtues of Dharani of Akshobya

• Elimination of Negativities: Reciting the mantra once removes all bad omens and nightmares. Regular recitation purifies continuous karmic obstacles.
• Purification of Sins: Chanting at the three key times of the day purifies the five heinous sins.
• Protection from Untimely Death: Writing down the mantra and carrying it prevents untimely, accidental death.
• Safeguard Against Lower Realms: Hearing the mantra ensures that beings, including animals and non-human entities, will not fall into lower realms.

Liberation and Purification

• Post-Death Liberation: After the death of a being, reciting his name with a compassionate heart a hundred, a thousand, or a hundred thousand times, even those reborn in hell can be immediately liberated.
• Rituals for the Deceased: Whether it is recited over soil, sesame seeds, mustard seeds, or water and then sprinkled over the corpse, used in a bathing ritual then burned, placed inside a stupa, or written on paper and placed on the deceased’s head, even if they have fallen into lower realms, they will be liberated within seven days, reborn into a higher realm or as they wish.

Performing a bathing ritual, changing into clean clothes, fasting or eating vegetarian for thirty days, and circumambulating a stupa containing relics while chanting the deceased’s name, if the mantra is recited a hundred thousand times, it can liberate spirits reborn in lower realms. They will then appear before the practitioner to make offerings, circumambulate, bestow blessings, and then disappear.

Or, by writing the deceased’s name, reciting the dharani mantra, and making a hundred thousand small stupas to be offered and thrown into the sea or rivers, the deceased can be liberated from places like hell.

Or, making offerings in this way, and finally building a large Buddha stupa at a crossroads, offering umbrellas and other items, offering food to the monastic community, and making careful offerings while saying, ‘May this act as the root of virtue for so-and-so, may they be reborn in a higher realm,’ will result in their rebirth there, and they will appear as before.

Even beings who have committed the five heinous sins, abandoned the Dharma, or slandered the saints, if they see this dharani written on a wall at the time of death, can purify all their karmic obstacles, let alone those who truly recite it.

Those who recite this mantra will have the Tathagata come forth and say, ‘Good man, come to my side.’

This translation captures the profound impact and spiritual significance of the dharani mantra, highlighting its role in Buddhist practices for purification, protection, and the ultimate liberation of all beings from suffering.