The Vairocanâbhisambodhi Sutra has remained, with the Sarvatathâgatatattvasangraha (English translation by Rolf W. Giebel, The Adamantine Pinnacle Sutra, in the volume Two Esoteric Sutras, Numata Center, 2001), one of the two basic texts of East Asian Esoteric Buddhism. This translation is based on the Chinese version of the text done in 724–5 by Subhâkarasimha and his disciple Yixing. Taking the form of a dialogue between the bodhisattva Vajrapâni and the Buddha Vairocana, the text’s primary aim is the exposition of bodhi-mind (bodhicitta), rooted in compassion (karunâ) and culminating in expedient means (upâya), as the basis for ultimate wisdom. Chapters discuss more specifically Tantric practices, such as construction of a mandala, initiation rites, mantras, mudrâs, and visualization, as well as the ten precepts and other Mahayana teachings. The final fascicle is a ritual manual. This text provides an excellent overall picture of the theory and practice of mid- to late seventh century Indian Tantric Buddhism.
