Averting Obstacles

• The Dhāraṇī “Vanquishing Constraints of Body, Speech and Mind” from the Words of the Buddha

As its name suggests, this brief incantation (dhāraṇī) is intended to liberate the one who recites or uses it as a cakra from all physical, vocal and mental constraints, including those caused by evil schemes, maleficence, spells and curses. Although the incantation is attributed to Buddha Śākyamuni, it is not included in any extant Kangyur collection but is preserved in various dhāraṇī compendia (gzungs 'dus).

• The Ultimate, Natural Dispeller of Obstacles by Tertön Sogyal

This liturgy for the expulsion of obstacles (bzlog pa) takes the ultimate perspective, according to which all forms of negativity are dispelled within the basic space of the dharmadhātu.

• Turning Back Obstacles and Adverse Circumstances: A Prayer to Orgyen Rinpoche, Embodiment of All Sources of Refuge by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A prayer to the Precious Guru of Oḍḍiyāna as the embodiment of all sources of refuge (skyabs gnas kun 'dus) in order to avert all forms of obstacle and hindrance, on the outer, inner and innermost (or 'secret') levels.

• The Heart of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom from the Words of the Buddha

This edition of the famous Heart Sūtra, complete with additional material, including a section for averting obstacles, is arranged for recitation.

• The ‘Chinese’ Practice of Averting Periodic Obstacles from the Words of the Buddha

This dhāraṇī, which is part of the larger corpus of texts on astrology (nag rtsis) taught by Mañjuśrī in China, begins with an invocation of the buddhas and bodhisattvas and then features a long series of requests to prevent inauspicious astrological combinations that might result in periodic obstacles. The text is part of the Compendium of Dhāraṇīs (gzungs bsdus).

• The Rishi's Maledictory Incantation: An Invocation of Wisdom Mind and Sacred Pledges for Reversing the Disturbances and Agitations of Dark Times In the Form of an Aspiration Prayer by Chatral Rinpoche

This is a prayer for the modern age, or kaliyuga, calling upon Buddha Śākyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava and all enlightened deities, gurus and protectors, in order to transform the minds of those in positions of power, so that terrible weapons of war may be eradicated, and the threats they pose to Dharma and living beings removed, allowing peace to reign throughout the world.

• A Brief Version of the 'Chinese' Practice of Averting Periodic Obstacles by Mipham Rinpoche

A summary of the fuller dhāraṇī which was spoken by Mañjuśrī and is included within the Compendium of Dhāraṇīs (gzungs bsdus), this is a practice for averting obstacles linked to particular moments in time.

• The Adamantine Magical Wheel: Invoking the Profound Pledge of Padmākara, the Glorious Victor, to Avert the Final War by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

This prayer of invocation, which was written by the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche during a period of political unrest, calls upon Guru Padmasambhava to protect Tibetans from aggressors and the ravages of war. More recently, it was redistributed at the behest of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who recognized its continued relevance amid the turmoil of the twentieth century.

• Declaration of the Power of Truth: A Prayer to Overcome Invading Forces by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Composed on the very first day of the Tibetan year of the Water Dragon (26 February 1952), this short prayer invokes the power and truth of the Three Jewels and Three Roots, especially Dorje Drakpo Tsal, in order to overcome invading armies.

• A Daily 'Hand-Clapping' Practice of Siṃhamukhā by Dudjom Rinpoche

This daily 'hand-clapping' (thal rdeb) practice of the lion-faced ḍākinī Siṃhamukhā/Siṃhavaktrā (seng gdong ma) is particularly associated with the elimination of adversity, threats and dangers.

• Averting Obstacles through Sitātapatrā by Lhodrak Namkha Gyaltsen

A short practice requesting Sitātapatrā (gdugs dkar) to come to the aid of practitioners and avert or repel (zlog pa) all forms of obstacle and misfortune.

• Concise Averting Ritual for the Practice of Hayagrīva and Garuḍa by Dola Jigme Kalzang

A short averting ritual (dokpa) for the practice of Blazing Wrathful Guru, Hayagrīva and Garuḍa (Lama Drakpo Takhyung Barwa) from the Longchen Nyingtik cycle.

• A Short Practice for Averting Obstacles through Vajrakīla by Fifth Dalai Lama

This four-line apotropaic prayer is addressed to the deities of the Vajrakīla maṇḍala, requesting that they avert all forms of obstacle and harm.

• Siṃhamukhā Series

• Sitātapatrā Series

• Turning Back the Summons

• Vajrakīla Series

• Vajraṇakhī Series