No.169 Seminar ： The Antivenom Skills of Guhyasamāja in Indian Tantric Literature
- Dr. Ryuta KIKUYA (Associate Professor, The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research/Department of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies)
- 2019/07/16 4:30pm
- Conference Room 1&2,The first basement floor, Research Administration Building(Hakubi Center building)
- Japanese (This seminar is open for students and researchers at Kyoto Univ.)
Summary
Some scientific-knowledge(vidyā) including Medicine, Architecture, Astrology and so on in the late classical period on the Indian subcontinent had been transmitted through Indian Tantric Literature. *Vidyāpāda(sMan shab, ca.800-850), “His Excellency Doctor” who had learned at Sugatas living “subtle place(*sūkṣmakṣetra)” beyond conjecture(vitarka) and examination(vicāra), compiled the scientific-knowledge into the “Manual of [regarding maṇḍala] Rituals (maṇḍalopāyikā / -vidhi)”− *Guhyasamājasādhana-Siddhisaṃbhavanidhi, the Treasure-chest / -house in order to produce the accomplishment which is perfection of the Gathering secret. Vidyāpāda attempted to comprehend everything concerning tantric theory and practice to learn according to their ability of an individual learner in Guhyasamāja Cycle: 1 Beginner(ādikarmika / ādikalpita), 2 One who has power of cognition [of devatā / maṇḍala images] to a certain extent(kiñcidjñānavaśin), 3 One who has power of acquired cognition([sa]prāptajñānavaśin), 4 One who has power of complete cognition(samyagjñānavaśin). Furthermore, he distinguished Common (sāmānya) accomplishment including scientific-knowledge from Special(itara) one which is the way to awaking. Vitapāda also interdigitate each other, i.e., one who has the accomplishment of Common skill [including scientific-knowledge] on the Second stage(cuṅ zad ye śes dbaṅ gyur pa thun moṅ sgrub pa). I would like to focus on one of the subjects of “the medical treatment and life-lengthening(śānti)”, especially “Antivenom Skills(sarvaviṣaparihārastambhanākarṣaṇaguhya, the Secret which are removing and stopping and attracting all sorts of Venom)” based on Guhyasamāja 15.99-111 and 17.67. Vidyāpāda suggested this skill to one who is Common and Second. The main structure of this life- lengthening ritual is composed of four main parts, 1 general medical treatment, 2 resuscitation, 3 antivenom, 4 universal medical treatment. Antivenom skills are also separate into two parts, the former is meditative skill which is removing and detoxification and attracting or discharging venom, and the later is incantation of spells for protecting venom including serpent, spider, scorpion and so on.