Question asked by Jack
Why is the Cundi mantra (namaḥ saptānāṃ samyaksaṃbuddha koṭīnāṃ tadyathā
oṃ cale cule cunde svāhā) not popular in tibetan Buddhism? It's comes from the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra which is the same sutra that reveals the om mani padme hum mantra and thus should have similar importance right? I'm just a confused…. this is just all new to me.
Dear Jack,
Thanks for your question. As to why it is not popular, there are many reasons. First is the fact that according to Tibetan Buddhism, there are 108 volumes of teachings taught by the Buddha. It would not be feasible that a practitioner would be able to practice everything that the teachings contained. Hence, some mantras/practices are more prominent than others. The Karandavyuha Sutra is definitely included with the Tibetan Buddhist cannon. It is called Zama Tog Khod in Tibetan.
When the teachings were transmitted, more emphasis was given on practices/mantras that the teacher thought more beneficial to practitioners or what they themselves received. Hence that is why Cundi’s mantra and practice is not mainstream these days, though it may still be practiced by those monks/practitioners who have received teachings on this particular sutra. I hope this helps.