Cundi Bodhisattva Mirror with Stand

A round mirror for the Cundi practice, gilt on both faces.

Cundi (準提) is the bodhisattva called the mother of seven kotis of buddhas, shown with eighteen arms, each hand holding an implement of the practice. Her mantra has been recited in Chinese Buddhism since the Tang dynasty for protection and the clearing of obstacles, and the practice has its own tool, a mirror. The practitioner sets it on the altar and recites toward it, the mirror standing in for the deity and, at the same time, for a mind that reflects without holding on.

The front is a polished convex mirror ringed with her mantra in Sanskrit script inside a border of red lotuses on black. The reverse carries Cundi in relief on a lotus throne, the dharani around her in Chinese characters. A gilt stand is included so it sits upright.

Placement: on the altar or a clean shelf, mirror face toward where you sit to recite. Not on the floor.