Materials: Copper, Electroplated, Cast, Ritual Instrument

Dimensions: Approximately 19.5 x 8 cm

Description:

The Cundi Mirror is a ritual implement unique to Tantric Buddhism (particularly Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism), closely associated with the practice of Cundi Bodhisattva (also known as Cundi Buddha Mother or Cundi Guanyin). It serves not only as a supportive tool during practice but also as a manifestation of the mandala, symbolizing the bodhisattva's wisdom and purity. In Buddhist rituals, the Cundi Mirror plays the following key roles:

1. **Visualization and Meditation Aid**: During Cundi practice rituals, practitioners place the Cundi Mirror before the altar and use its surface for visualization. The mirror's front is typically engraved with a frontal image of Cundi Bodhisattva (with eighteen arms and multiple faces). Practitioners gazing at the reflection in the mirror visualize the Bodhisattva's eighteen arms holding eighteen Dharma instruments, symbolizing the attainment of eighteen unique Dharmas (unique virtues) that purify the body and mind and increase wisdom. The back of the mirror is engraved with a back image of Cundi Bodhisattva, strengthening the practitioner's focus and preventing distraction. This helps the practitioner enter samadhi (meditation) and realize the true nature of "purity" (the meaning of Cundi).

2. **Protection and Blessing Rituals**: Cundi mirrors are often used as blessing tools during morning and evening chantings at temples (such as the Cundi Mantra, one of the Ten Minor Mantras) or large Buddhist ceremonies such as water and land ceremonies. Practitioners hold the mirror and chant mantras, praying for Cundi Bodhisattva's blessing on the believer, eliminating karmic obstacles and fulfilling all wishes (the core virtue of the Cundi Mantra). For example, in rituals for the salvation of the dead or prayers for the deceased, it symbolizes "illuminating the true nature of all dharmas," helping participants to break through ignorance and escape the suffering of samsara. The Cundi mirror is also commonly used in personal protective rituals, worn or offered to ward off evil and increase blessings.

3. **Mandala and Symbolism**: The Cundi mirror itself is a miniature mandala of Cundi Bodhisattva, representing the bodhisattva's eighteen realms (body, speech, and mind). In Tantric empowerment ceremonies, it is used to impart the blessings of the Cundi Dharma, helping disciples achieve rapid enlightenment. Compared to other ritual implements (such as the vajra or rosary), the Cundi mirror emphasizes its "reflective" function, reminding practitioners to maintain a "clear mind like a mirror," reflecting all things untainted by dust.

Overall, the Cundi mirror in Buddhist rituals is not only a physical prop but also a spiritual mirror, helping practitioners to shift from superficial perceptions to their true nature, embodying the unity of compassion and wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism.

Origin of the Cundi Mirror

The origin of the Cundi mirror can be traced back to the Tantric period of Indian Buddhism, during the development of the late Tantras around the 7th and 8th centuries. The name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva first appears in the Cundā-Dhāraṇī Sūtra, a text translated from Sanskrit into Chinese by Amoghavajra (705-774 AD) during the Tang Dynasty, marking the official introduction of Avalokitesvara practice into China. The sutra describes Avalokitesvara as an incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha, possessing eighteen arms and eighteen faces, holding eighteen instruments, symbolizing boundless merit.

The Cundi mirror, as a dedicated ritual implement, originates from iconographic descriptions in esoteric texts such as the Collection of Essentials of Perfect Enlightenment in Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism. These texts emphasize that Avalokitesvara practice is the path to "perfect enlightenment," and the mirror's design is inspired by the bodhisattva's image of holding a mirror in one arm, used to "illuminate ignorance." In Tibetan Buddhism, it evolved into the "Cundi Treasure Mirror," incorporating elements of Bon, becoming a common ritual implement in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. After being introduced to Han China, the Cundi mirror became widely popular during the Song and Yuan dynasties, becoming a standard accessory for Cundi mantra practice. Often crafted from copper, silver, or crystal, it measures approximately 5-10 cm in diameter, with a smooth surface to facilitate visualization.

The origin of the mirror is essentially a symbolic evolution of Tantric Buddhism: in Indian tradition, the mirror represents "self-purity." Buddhism, through this, incorporated the concept of "wish-fulfillment" in the Cundi method, making it an indispensable medium for ritual.

Stories Related to the Cundi Mirror

While there is no single, independent mythological story surrounding the Cundi mirror, its origins are closely tied to the legend of Cundi Bodhisattva. The following are two famous stories from Buddhist scriptures that illustrate its efficacy and symbolism:

1. The Story of an Old Woman's Mantra Recitation and Salvation (from the Supplementary Notes to the "Seven Hundred Million Buddha Mother Cundi Great Bright Dharani Sutra"): The sutra records a poor old woman who devoutly chanted the Cundi mantra. Although her pronunciation was inaccurate (shaky due to age), she prayed to Cundi Bodhisattva with pure faith for salvation. The Bodhisattva, in response, manifested an eighteen-armed image, holding a bright mirror to illuminate the woman's home and dispel poverty, illness, hunger, and cold. The old woman awoke the next day to find her home filled with treasures, and her family had recovered. This story emphasizes the principle that "faith is superior to form." The Cundi mirror symbolizes the Bodhisattva's "illuminating voice," granting blessings to all practitioners, regardless of their qualifications. In rituals, this story is often used to encourage believers to chant mantras, viewing the mirror as the Bodhisattva's "benevolent eye."

2. **Legend of Paying Homage to the Dragon King and Fulfilling Wishes** (from the Cundi Dharani Ritual): According to legend, a Tang Dynasty monk practiced the Cundi Dharma and placed the Cundi mirror in his altar for visualization. During his practice, the Dragon King of the South China Sea (symbolizing floods and disasters) appeared and wreaked havoc. The monk held the mirror and chanted mantras, and the Bodhisattva image in the mirror radiated eighteen rays of light, transforming the Dragon King into a Dharma protector. The Dragon King repented, offered a precious pearl, and vowed to protect the Cundi Dharma. Thereafter, the monk used the mirror to bless the village, sparing it from floods. This story highlights the Cundi mirror's ability to subdue demons and fulfill wishes. In Buddhist rituals, it's often used to illustrate the mirror's power to ward off evil and remind practitioners that the mirror is like the bodhisattva's heart, reflecting the suffering of all beings and transforming it into happiness.

These stories not only enrich the Cundi mirror's cultural connotations but also reinforce its practical value in spiritual practice. Through chanting mantras and contemplating the mirror, practitioners can experience the pure mind of Cundi Bodhisattva and fulfill all worldly and transcendental desires. For in-depth practice, we recommend consulting the "Seven Hundred Million Buddha Mother Cundi Great Bright Dharani Sutra" and practicing under the guidance of a qualified spiritual master.