MATERIAL: Woodblock Printed
DIMENSIONS: 6 1/4 X 8 inches (closed)
COMPONENTS: 172 pages, 120 have woodblock prints of the alphabet, 52 of which are a Sanskrit reader
CONDITION: Original covers, contents complete, generally fair shape for the age
NOTES: Original.
LANGUAGE
Sanskrit Japanese
ITEM ID: 859
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Early Buddhist Sanskrit Dictionary and Reader

DATE
Year: 1667
Decade: 1660s
Century: 17th (1601-1700)
Notes: Kanbun 7

A list of shuji (bīja, seed-syllables in Siddham script used to write Sanskrit), from the 37 deities of the Kongokai, one of the mandalas of the Shingon sect.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Diamond Realm (Skt. वज्रधातु vajradhātu, Jp. 金剛界 kongōkai) is a metaphysical space inhabited by the Five Tathagatas. The Diamond Realm Mandala is based on an esoteric Buddhist sutra called the Vajrasekhara Sutra.
The Diamond Realm is a very popular subject for mandalas, and along with the Womb Realm(garbhakoṣadhātu) Mandala forms the Mandala of the Two Realms. This mandala, along with the Womb Realm, form the core of Japanese esoteric, or Shingon Buddhist, rituals, including the initiation or abhiṣeka ritual. In this ritual, new initiates are blindfolded, and are asked to toss a flower upon a mandala. Where the flower lands helps decide to which Buddhist figure the student should devote themselves.

In traditional Shingon halls, the Diamond Realm Mandala is hung on the west wall symbolizing the final realization of Mahāvairocana Buddha. In this setting, the Womb Realm Mandala is hung on the east wall, symbolizing the young stage of Mahāvairocana Buddha.