MAHA CUNDI

MAHA CUNDI

(Mother of Seven Kotis of Buddhas)  
MANTRA: Namaḥ Saptanaṁ Samyak-Saṁbuddha Koṭinaṁ.
Tad-Yatha: Oṁ, Cale, Cule, Cundi Svaha!

Bodhisattva Cundi is depicted with eighteen arms, each wielding implements that symbolize upaya. Her eighteen arms also represent the eighteen merits of attaining Buddha-hood as described in an appendix to the Cundi Dharaṇi Sutra.  Some images of Cundi Bodhisattva depict different gestures, such as forming the root mudra or holding mala beads.  The eighteen arms of Cundi are said to express the eighteen merits of attaining Buddha-hood. These are the eighteen uncommon qualities. Her arms are the symbolic expression of these secrets, endowed with the significance of profound principles.  In the Mahaprajnaparamita-sutra, these eighteen characteristics of a Buddha (the avenika dharma) distinguish a Buddha from a Bodhisattva.