Vajrakilaya Mantra : Harness Power With The Vajrakilaya Mantra

Who is Vajrakilaya?

Vajrakilaya is a prominent Buddhist deity associated with enlightenment and affection. He appears in a wrathful form as an emanation of the glorious deity of purification, Buddha Vajrasattva. Vajrakiliya, also described as the “mind of great love” embodies the enlightened activity of all Buddhas and imparts compassion and love to those seeking his blessings. His magnificence is signified by his mighty three-bladed vajra called the kila or phurba which is capable of cutting against the three main demons that obstruct enlightenment- hate, ignorance and greed.

Vajrakilaya is the most wrathful of all the Herukas in Vajrayana Buddhism, indicating the significance of his fierceness in eradicating the poisonous forces of greed and hatred. He personifies the exceptional blend of wrath and compassion in Buddhism, for he appears in a ferocious and monstrous image, yet holds eternal compassion and kindness for all beings. This one-of-a-kind fusion of focused wrath and affection makes Vajrakilaya a supreme figure in the Buddhist pantheon.

The imagery of the Vajrakilaya deity depicts his wrathful nature; his vast Heruka wings, six arms, fangs and four legs make his appearance ferocious on its own. His three faces appear in different colors, depicting each of his enlightened forms. The three blades of his kila denote the three negative energies; greed, hatred and delusion which he pierces into for purification of the being. The iconography of Vajrakilaya is the ultimate embodiment of his immense power and fierce nature.

The Vajrakilaya Mantra

The Vajrakilaya mantra that is recited as “Om Vajra Kili Kilaya Sarva Vingham Vam Hum Phat” holds the innermost essence of Vajrakilaya in Vajrayana practice. The mantra embodies the ability of the Vajrakilaya deity to conquer all the hindrances of life and purify ones’ karma. The mantra has its own power to accomplish one's desires and attainments. Any person can recite the mantra of Vajrakilaya with the realization of the deity’s immense power to transform our lives, both internally and externally.

The Vajrakilaya mantra is known to have been discovered by Guru Padmasambhava in a cave and was hidden as a treasure by Lady Yeshe Tsogyal. The divine power of the mantra is associated with the purification of negative energies and the welcome of enlightenment. It is considered extremely helpful for individual practitioners seeking solace in Vajrakilaya’s blessings.

How to chant Vajrakilaya Mantra?

To chant the Vajrakilaya mantra, begin by preparing a sacred and serene space for your practice. Clean the area, light a candle or incense, and, if possible, place a thangka or image of Vajrakilaya to inspire focus. Sit in a comfortable meditative posture with your back straight, either cross-legged on the floor or on a chair, and let your hands rest naturally or in a mudra for concentration. Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself, releasing distractions and bringing your awareness to the present moment. Visualize Vajrakilaya vividly in his wrathful yet compassionate form, with a blue-black body surrounded by blazing flames that symbolize his transformative power. Chant the mantra *“Om Benza Kili Kilaya Sarwa Bighanem Bam Hung Phat”* aloud or silently, allowing the syllables’ vibration to resonate deeply. Focus on Vajrakilaya’s energy purifying negativity and removing obstacles from your life. Repeat the mantra 21 or 108 times, using a mala to keep count if desired. End the practice with a moment of gratitude, dedicating the merit to the well-being of all sentient beings.

Vajrakilaya Mantra Translation

The mantra of Vajrakilaya “Om Vajra Kili Kilaya Sarva Vingham Vam Hum Phat” can be understood in Vajrakilaya’s essence with these translations.

Vajra denotes nature and its eternal existence. It refers to the pure state of nature – the past, present and future.

Kili refers to the three-sided blade of the deity. It also indicates “swift action”, meaning a quick rescue from hindrances.

Kilaya means piercing with the deity’s phurba, providing a glimpse of his fierce image.

Sarva signifies all and oneness. It denotes all the demonic obstacles which we intend to overcome.

Vighnam refers to all the hindrances of life. It includes the illnesses and sufferings that arise from the negative karma, which we should overpower and take control to attain enlightenment.

Vam connotes control, indicating taking control over all the obstacles of life.

Hum denotes the destruction of all evil forces.

Phat typically means liberation from all afflictions, which is attained by cutting through the negative forces. It denotes the completion of the enlightened activity followed by ultimate liberation.

The mantra can be perceived in two parts; the first part “Vajra Kili Kilaya” indicates the Vajrakilaya deity and “Sarva Vighnam Vam Hum Phat” collectively denotes the destruction of all obstacles and evil forces or life.

Importance of Vajrakilaya Mantra in Tantra Practice

In Buddhist tantric practices, the Vajrakilaya mantra is reckoned as one of the most powerful mantras to manifest protection and remove the afflictions in one’s life. It serves to remind practitioners of their powerful and fierce forms to help them overcome fear and insecurity within themselves. The mantra holds the innermost essence of the Vajrakilaya deity, which is purification and enlightenment. Reciting this mantra is known to purify all the hindrances of life. These hindrances include the sufferings that result from the negative karma we have accumulated in life, which we expel from our lives by embodying the power of Vajrakilaya’s phurba. Ultimately, the chanting practice of the Vajrakilaya Mantra will lead you to the attainment of Buddhahood, the ultimate enlightenment.

The Vajrakilaya mantra liberates obstacles in both internal and external forms. Reciting the mantra empowers practitioners and makes them brave and competent to cut through the hardships of life. It clears and sharpens their awareness to the point that they can navigate life’s path to reach ultimate wisdom. On the outer part, visualizing and manifesting the Vajrakilaya deity through mantra recitation deters external difficulties and illness, helping practitioners to live a peaceful life. In today’s world, this mantra practice proves to be essential to increase resilience against adversities and manifest protection from negative forces.