The Evocation of Samantabhadra, also known as Kunzang Mönlam or Kuntu Zangpo’s Aspiration Prayer, is one of the best-known prayers of Dzogchen (the Great Perfection), a teaching practised in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It belongs to the Northern Treasures (tib. Byang gTer; Jangter), revealed by the great Nyingma treasure-revealer Rigdzin Gödem (1337–1409). The prayer is recited particularly at specific times, as described in the practice instructions at the end of the text itself:
“If, when the sun or moon is eclipsed … or there are unusual sounds or earthquakes, or at the solstice, or at the turn of the year, yogis visualise themselves as Samantabhadra and recite the evocation so that all can hear, then for all sentient beings in the three worlds the recitation of this evocation by yogis will bring gradual relief from suffering and they will finally awaken to buddhahood!”
In the words of Samantabhadra, the prayer describes how the confusion we live in arises out of the common ground we share with all the Buddhas. Recognising this ground frees us from all suffering and brings a peace that arises naturally. Failing to recognise it, however, and grasping at the illusory appearances, gives rise to the many varieties of samsaric experience. The prayer offers a profound understanding of the basic view of Dzogchen and is a wonderful companion for the yogi and the skilled practitioner.
The text comes with Tibetan, phonetic transcription, word-for-word translation, line translation and verse translation, for easy recitation and practice. It has been translated by James Low, a close student of the late Chimed Rigdzin Rinpoche (1922–2002), with whom he translated many tantra and Dzogchen practice texts into English.
edition khordong im Wandel Verlag berlin, 26.10.2026, 28 pages, Backstitch stitching, with Tibetan, phonetic transcription, word-for-word translation, line translation and verse translation, for easy recitation and practice, 15x22cm, 60g, ISBN: 978-3-942380-41-6, 10,80 €
James Low writes as introduction to this text in his book “Finding Freedom“:
This wonderful short text gives a precise account of the open ground, the ground of everything we know, everything we can imagine, and all that we are. This ground is the same for all, whether what appears seems to be the radiance of the ground or a dull denial of its presence.
The ground is the key to practice. For as long as we take the myriad forms of display offered by the ground to be real independent entities, its emergence which never emerges as something separate, will be misunderstood. The misunderstander, the seemingly autonomous, self-directing ego self, is ceaselessly imagining ‘things’ which are actually illusions. The non-duality of appearance and emptiness, if appreciated as it is, is the liberating clarity of emptiness. However if it is grasped at there is an experiential though not actual loss of integrity in the whole. We are then mere fragments in a fragmented world buffeted hither and thither by events.
To open to and abide with the ground, in the ground, as the ground, is liberation itself. To continue to ignore this ever-open, ever-available freedom is to find oneself wandering in the six realms of samsara. Liberation is then so near and yet so far. To have this text is to be able to consult an accurate map that will always show you exactly where you truly are no matter what appearances arise.
