A Japanese miscellany - University of Oregon

Beside the Sea 261
over us and to guard us, by night and by day. And help us
even now to obtain our desire in bestowing this food upon
you,— that the merit produced by this action may be
extended to all beings dwelling within the Dharma-worlds,
and that the power of this merit may help to spread the
Truth through all those Dharma-worlds, and help all beings
therein to find the Supreme EnUghtenment, and to obtain
all wisdom.— And we now pray that all your acts hereafter
may serve to gain for you the merit that will help you to
Buddhahood. And thus we desire that you quickly become
Buddhas."
Then began the most curious part of the ser-
vice, — namely, the sprinkling and the presenta-
tion of the food-offerings, with recitation of
certain dhtranis, or magical verses, composed of
talismanic Sanscrit words. This portion of the
rite was brief ; but to recount all its details would
require much space, — every utterance or gesture
of the officiant being made according to rule.
For example, the hands and fingers of the priest,
during the recital of any dhMm, must be held in
a position prescribed for that particular dharani.
But the principal incidents of this complicated
ritual are about as follows:
First of all is recited, seven times, the Dh^ranl
of Invitation, to summon the spirits from the Ten
Directions of Space. During its recitation the
officiant must hold out his right hand, with