“Contemplation of Akṣarapaṅkti （Garland of Syllables）” Discussed in the Mahāmāyā-tantra: The Interpretation by Ratnākaraśānti

Abstract

Based on descriptions given in Ratnākaraśānti’s commentary Guṇavatī （Gu）, this paper discusses the “contemplation of Akṣarapaṅkti （garland of syllables）” discussed in the Mahāmāyā-tantra （MMT）.

In Gu, Ratnākaraśānti explains the discussion in MMT on the “contemplation of Akṣarapaṅkti,” quoting the Samāyoga-uttarottaratantra （abbr. SYUUT, chap. 19, vv. 5–6ab）. The “contemplation of Akṣarapaṅkti” in this discussion in SYUUT is related to Vajrasattva as śrī-Heruka, or to Vajradhara. The “contemplation of Akṣarapaṅkti” as discussed in MMT is also related to Vajrasattva.