Kanakamuni Tathagata: The Fifth Buddha
Following the passing of Krakucchanda Tathagata, the lineage of Buddhas ushered as Kanakamuni Tathagata, in Sanskrit कनकमुनी तथागत, the Fifth Buddha. Born during an age when human life spanned 30,000 years, Kanakamuni graced the earth to protect all sentient beings. He resided in the magnificent city of Swabhavati Nagar and illuminated the spiritual path for his followers. Among his devoted disciples was Sudharma Bodhisattva, who, in a later era, would reincarnate as Sakyamuni Buddha.
Kanakamuni often preached in his Sovitarama Vihara, where his teachings attracted a celestial audience. Gods such as Brahma and Indra, alongside kings, gandharvas, kinnaras, sages, and devoted celibates, came to drink the nectar of the Noble Faith. His presence radiated a divine light that inspired immense devotion.
During these assemblies, followers meditated deeply, captivated by the Buddha’s serene brilliance. After a moment of reflection, they approached him with reverence, touching his feet before taking their seats. Kanakamuni began his sermons with teachings on the Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the practices of bodhicarya – the path of enlightened conduct. His powerful words guided countless beings toward enlightenment, equipping them with the tools to navigate the Noble Faith and awaken their minds.
Dharmasrimitra’s Quest for the 12-Syllable Mantra
During the time of Kanakamuni Tathagata, in the renowned Vikramasila Mahavihara (believed to be in Kashi, India), a learned scholar named DharmaSriMitra (धर्मश्रीमित्र) diligently taught the philosophy of Manjushri (मन्जुश्री), particularly focusing on the profound text known as the Namasangiti (नमसंगिती). One day, a disciple raised a question about the deeper meaning of the 12-syllable mantra (द्वादशाक्षर, अ आ इ ई उ ऊ ए ऐ ओ औ अं अः, 12 vowels of Devanagari script) within the text. Dharmasrimitra, unable to answer, decided to meditate on Manjushri for divine guidance.
During his meditation, Dharmasrimitra received a vision of Manjushri residing on Pancha Sirsa Parvata in MahaChin (modern-day China). Determined to seek answers, he set out on a long journey. At the same time, Manjushri Bodhisattva, immersed in Lokasandarsana Samadhi, became aware of Dharmasrimitra’s search and resolved to meet him in the Nepal Valley.
The Farmer and the Sacred Field
Upon arriving in the Nepal Valley, Dharmasrimitra paid homage to Swayambhu Dharmadhatu. However, as he prepared to continue his journey, he encountered an extraordinary sight: a farmer plowing his field with two lions yoked to his plow. Recognizing this as a miraculous event, Dharmasrimitra approached the farmer and asked how far MahaChin was.
The farmer, appearing ordinary yet mysterious, responded, “MahaChin is very far. It is getting dark; please stay at my home tonight. I will guide you in the morning.” Dharmasrimitra accepted the kind offer.
The field where this divine encounter occurred is known as Sawa Bhumi, located in present-day Thamel (Thambahil), Kathmandu. Though the field has disappeared, the area retains its sacred significance, and the monastery Bhagwan Bahal ( See in Map) remains as a spiritual marker.
That evening, after finishing his work, the farmer released the lions, who vanished into thin air. Dharmasrimitra, now convinced of the farmer’s divine nature, spent the night reflecting on his host.
The Unveiling of Manjushri
The farmer offered Dharmasrimitra food and then guided him to an outside guest house to rest. Dharmasrimitra, fatigued from his journey, slept for a while. Awakening in the middle of the night, his thoughts turned to the farmer. Reflecting on the miraculous sight of the farmer plowing a field with lions, he began to suspect that this was no ordinary man, but someone of immense spiritual power.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Dharmasrimitra stepped out of the guest house and approached the farmer’s home. At that moment, he overheard the farmer, who was in fact Manjushri, speaking with his wife, Kesini. Kesini was inquiring about their guest, asking who he was and the purpose of his visit. Manjushri explained Dharmasrimitra’s journey to MahaChin in search of the meaning of the 12-syllable mantra. He further revealed the mantra’s profound significance and its secret meanings to Kesini.
Realizing that the farmer was indeed Manjushri himself, Dharmasrimitra was overcome with emotion. Humbled by the revelation, he saluted Manjushri with eight bodily prostrations and lay down at the door in complete reverence, waiting until dawn.
When morning arrived, Kesini opened the door to find Dharmasrimitra bowing down. Surprised, she called her husband, saying, “Look, the guest is lying at our door in prostration.” Manjushri came forward and asked, “Why are you lying here, Dharmasrimitra?”
Dharmasrimitra rose and confessed, “I have realized you are no ordinary farmer but the great Manjushri himself. Please forgive me for not recognizing you sooner.” Manjushri, smiling kindly, forgave Dharmasrimitra and granted him initiation into the mysteries of the 12-syllable mantra. He explained its hidden meanings and the process of purification, ensuring Dharmasrimitra was equipped to teach it to others.
Before leaving, Dharmasrimitra asked, “How will I recognize you if you ever visit me at my Mahavihara?”
Manjushri replied, “If I visit, I will carry a lotus flower in my hand”.
With profound gratitude, Dharmasrimitra bowed to Manjushri, thanked him, and prepared to return to Vikramasila Mahavihara. The encounter left an indelible mark on Dharmasrimitra, shaping the course of his spiritual teachings and his unwavering devotion to the Noble Faith.
Manjushri’s Test
After returning to his Vihara, Dharmasrimitra organized a gathering the next day to recite the Namasangiti and explain the hidden meaning of the 12-syllable mantra. Devotees assembled in the Vihara, eager to hear his teachings. As the Namasangiti and the purification rituals began, Manjushri entered the gathering, disguised as an old man dressed in tattered, dirty clothing, holding a lotus flower in his hand.
Dharmasrimitra immediately noticed the old man and recognized the lotus as a sign that this could be Manjushri. However, he was torn—standing up to welcome Manjushri in his disguised state might attract ridicule and mockery from the audience, yet ignoring him felt deeply wrong. Struggling with this internal conflict, Dharmasrimitra chose to continue the recitation, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the disguised Manjushri.
After the Namasangiti concluded and the assembly dispersed, Dharmasrimitra rushed toward his guru. However, Manjushri was already walking away. Filled with regret, Dharmasrimitra called out and apologized, claiming he had not recognized Manjushri in the crowd. The guilt of his dishonesty overwhelmed him, and he broke down in tears, begging for forgiveness.
Dharmasrimitra wept with such intense remorse that he lost his sight. Manjushri, moved by his anguish but firm in his lesson, addressed him, saying, “Your blindness is a result of your own actions. You faltered, knowing the truth, because of your fear of judgment. However, though you have lost your physical sight, your wisdom and knowledge will guide you. From now on, you shall be known as Jnanasrimitra (ज्ञानश्रीमित्र), the Knower of Wisdom.”
With these words, Manjushri disappeared into thin air, leaving Dharmasrimitra to embrace his new identity and continue his journey of spreading the teachings of the Noble Faith.
The Legacy of Jnanasrimitra (ज्ञानश्रीमित्र)
From that day forward, Jnanasrimitra (ज्ञानश्रीमित्र) dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of the Noble Faith. His devotion and wisdom brought unparalleled fame to Swayambhu Dharmadhatu, which came to be revered as Dharmadhatu Vagishwara (धर्मधातु वागीश्वर). Dharmadhatu Vagishwara signifies Swayambhu as the embodiment of ultimate reality (धर्मधातु) and the source of enlightened wisdom and teachings (वागीश्वर).
Jnanasrimitra remained in Nepal as a disciple of Manjushri, immersing himself in deep meditation and devotion until he finally entered Samadhi.
Swayambhu Purana – Table of Contents
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Chapter 7: Kashyapa Tathagata: Shantikar Acharya and Concealment of Swayambhu »