The Cult of Tara

MAGIC AND RITUAL. IN TIBET
read the textual sequence of its generation, and it is then empowered
with OM AH HUM and the flying-bird gesture. Then, with the
torma gesture (fig. 26) the monks offer it to the protectors by reciting
three times the mantra, OM A-KARO MUKHAM SARVA-
DHARMANAM ADY-ANUTPANATNVAT! OM AH HUM PHAT
SVAHA 1 And they pray to the protectors:
Fig. 26. The torma gesture.
All the hosts who protect the teachings of the perfect and blessed
Buddhas, the ocean of oath-bound outer and inner glorious
protectors, their retinue of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and
sons, their families and troops: accept this torma! And I pray
you, spread the precious teachings of the Buddha, let all beings
be happy; raise up the possessions, grant the desires of us all,
Master and disciples, our parents and patrons; increase and let us
accomplish all the sublime happiness of the certainty of the holy
Law!
3.113 To the lords of the soil
The third torma is offered to the lords of the soil; it is generated
and empowered as before and, as with the protectors, is dedicated
to them with the torma gesture and the mantra, OM A-KARO MU­
KHAM SARVA-DHARMANAM ADY-ANUTPANNATVAT! OM
AH HUM PHAT SVAHA! But these recipients are not considered
so much deities as simply beings who have achieved a potent destiny,
to be used for better or worse; thus the torma is further offered them
by reciting three times the "burning-mouth" mantra, whose original
intention was the magical alleviation of the distress of the "hungry
ghosts":