Cundi – The Female manifestation of Avalokiteshvara

This article discusses the Buddhist Goddess Cundi, Her role in the Lotus family, Her veneration as the patron deity of the Palas, references to Her in the ancient scriptures, Her iconography, and the reasons devotees revere Her.

Cundi as Manifestation of Avalokiteshvara and Progenitor of Lotus family

Cundi, an Indian Buddhist goddess revered in East Asian Buddhism, represents one of the manifestations of Avalokiteshvara. She is the progenitor of the lotus family deities and thus, the maternal figure to seventy million Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Her name signifies ‘Supreme,’ denoting a profound spiritual stature.

Cundi – the Patron Deity of the Palas

In ancient times, Cundi may have been a Yakshini who became significant in Indian Buddhism around the eighth century. The Tibetan historian Taranatha noted that Gopala-I, the founder of the Pala dynasty, was a devotee of hers. She subsequently became the patron deity of the Pala dynasty. Her worship flourished in North India during their reign and eventually extended across the Buddhist world, including India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayan region. Chinese traditional healers still revers Cundi and uses Her mantra to cure.

Mention of Cundi in ancient texts

The earliest reference to Cundi appears in the Buddhist text, the Karandavyuha Sutra. This Sutra is associated with Avalokiteshvara and is dated between the late 4th and early 5th centuries CE.

Iconography of Cundi

Cundi is often portrayed with multiple arms, with variations including four, six, sixteen, eighteen, or twenty-six arms. Certain representations of Cundi bear a strong resemblance to the iconography of another female Buddhist deity, Prajnaparamita Devi, making it challenging to distinguish between the two in some artworks.

Cundi is accompanied by two dragon kings, Nanda and Upananda, who stand vigil by her lotus throne. Her tantric title is the Subjugation Vajra.

Description of Four-armed Cundi

Indian scholar Benoytosh Bhattacharyya, an expert in the history, theory, and practice of Buddhist Tantra, portrays the four-armed Cundi in his book ‘Sadhanamala’. He describes Her as having the color of the autumn moon with four arms. Her right hand displays the Varada Mudra, and in Her left hand, She holds a lotus which bears a book upon it. The other two hands hold a bowl or a vase, which are Her distinguishing features in this depiction. Additionally, She adorns a multitude of ornaments.

The four-armed form of Cundi symbolizes the four immeasurable: Loving kindness or benevolence (maitri), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita) and equanimity (samta).

Eighteen-armed Cundi

Cundi is commonly represented with eighteen arms and three faces, although She is sometimes also shown with a single face. She adorns a jeweled crown featuring a Buddha figure. Her body has a light-yellow hue, and She dresses in pearls, jade ornaments, and a white celestial robe. Her two primary hands display the root mudra or the chief mudra, also known as the mudra of life, and she wields various implements in Her hands.

Significance of implements in Devi Cundi’s eighteen arms

The symbolism and significance of the various implements in Her eighteen arms are as follows:

The two primary hands in the root mudra symbolize eloquence in expounding the Dharma.

The wish-fulfilling banner signifies the capacity to construct magnificent Great Monasteries.

The Abhaya, or fearless mudra, represents the Goddess’s blessings to shield Her devotees from all terror and fears.

The lotus flower symbolizes the purity of the six senses, which remain as untainted as the lotus itself. Atop this lotus rests the book Cundadharini.

The sword of wisdom cuts through the entanglements of afflictions and the three poisons: greed, anger, and ignorance.

The empowerment vase blooms with nectar to nourish all sentient beings, granting them the Buddhas’ empowerment.

The Vajra Lasso possesses the power to draw all towards the yoga tantra.

The magnificent, jeweled headdress symbolizes the aspiration to be connected with the splendid Dharma art.

The celestial fruit embodies the achievement of enlightenment and the extensive cultivation of good karma.

The eight-spoked wheel signifies the perpetual turning of the great Dharma wheel, casting its light over the three lower realms. It is the symbol of absolute completeness.

The battle axe symbolizes the eradication of all malevolent practices and the cutting of attachments to oneself and others.

The dharma conch shell heralds the proclamation of pure dharma, resonating throughout the universe.

The Vajra hook exhibits the finesse to draw all phenomena into one’s realm.

The wish-fulfilling vase has the ability to conjure all treasures and scriptures at will.

The Vajra denotes the conquest over obstinate sentient beings.

The wisdom sutra embodies the self-awareness of comprehending profound truths independently of a teacher.

The Mani, or wish-fulfilling pearl, reflects a vibrant and radiant state of mind, unblemished and perfect.

Occasionally, she is depicted holding a rosary, used for counting mantra recitations.

Significance of Eighteen arms of Cundi

The eighteen arms of Cundi symbolize the eighteen merits of achieving Buddhahood, each representing a unique and profound aspect of the Bodhisattva teachings. These characteristics are not only rare but also deeply significant, embodying esoteric principles. They serve to differentiate a Buddha from a Bodhisattva within the teachings of the Mahaprajnaparamita:

• Perfect knowledge of the present.
• Perfection of speech.
• Perfection of the body.
• Perfection of memory.
• Serenity.
• Perfection of impartiality to all.
• Self-sacrifice.
• His unfailing thought to salvage sentient beings.
• His unflagging zeal to salvage sentient beings.
• His unceasing desire to salvage sentient beings.
• The unceasing wisdom to salvage sentient beings.
• Revealing perfect wisdom in the deed.
• The principle of the powers of deliverance.
• The powers of deliverance.
• Perfect knowledge of the future.
• Revealing perfect wisdom in thought.
• Perfect knowledge of the past.
• Revealing perfect wisdom in word.

Why Devotees worship Cundi

Cundi Bodhisattva is the origin of all Buddhas from the past, present, and future. Devotees call upon Cundi to cleanse karma, attract prosperity, ensure longevity, and secure a joyful rebirth. Worshippers of Cundi gain wisdom and triumph in debates and She blesses them with a respectful family and harmonious relationships.

Cundi as defined in Drikung Manual

In summary, Cundi represents the very essence of wisdom and compassion. She is characterized in a Drikung meditation manual as follows:

“Cundi swiftly matures all spiritual faculties;

She inspires Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to aid sentient beings,

Encourages beings to commence the Buddhist journey, and

Urges ascetics and hermits to adopt the Bodhisattva Path.

Shakyamuni declared that her mantras agitate the realms of Buddhas,

Vanquish all evil spirits, and confer numerous wondrous abilities…

By chanting her mantra,

Every ailment is cleansed, and enlightenment is rapidly achieved.

Not even a Bodhisattva of the tenth level exceeds her splendor.

Her mantra brings about all terrestrial and transcendental attainments.” 

References

Buddhist Deities and Masters – An introduction by Chandra B Sakya

The iconography of Nepalese Buddhism by Min Bahadur Shakya

The Indian Buddhist Iconography by Benoytosh Bhattacharyya

Cundi or Tsundri: The Divine Eighteen-Armed Bodhisattva

The Great Cundī Dhāraṇī Sūtra and the Great Mother Cunda: Benefits, Commentary, and Complete Verses – Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation

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