Juntei Kannon, also known as Cundi (Cunda) in Sanskrit is a revered and enigmatic female Bodhisattva in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. She holds an esteemed position in East Asian Buddhist traditions, especially in Japanese, Chinese, and Tibetan practices. Distinguished for her deep compassion and transformative wisdom, she is often depicted with eighteen arms, each one holding a symbolic tool that signifies her power to clear obstacles and swiftly guide practitioners on their journey to Buddhahood. Her significance in both Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism highlights her as a formidable deity of protection, purification, and spiritual merit.
In the Vajrayana tradition, Juntei Kannon is honored for her power to purify karma, safeguard practitioners, and guide them swiftly toward achieving Buddhahood. With her many arms, she is thought to provide countless skillful means (upaya) that help individuals navigate their spiritual paths, enabling them to rise above obstacles and awaken to the true essence of the mind.
Juntei Kannon or Cundi deity is known by various names across Buddhist traditions:
Cundi: The Sanskrit name, derived from “Cundī,” meaning “pure” or “purified.”
Juntei Kannon: The Japanese name, classifying her under the broader umbrella of Kannon (Avalokiteshvara) manifestations.
Chundi or Chunda in Tibetan transliteration.
Zhun Ti Pusa in Chinese (準提菩薩), where she has a substantial number of devotees.
She is often referred to as the Mother of the Seventy Million Buddhas. This title emphasizes her primordial role in the enlightenment of sentient beings. This name also captures her incredible ability to bring forth countless Buddhas, representing the endless compassion and wisdom that lead everyone toward liberation. Her nurturing spirit symbolizes the limitless potential for transformation and spiritual awakening that exists within all of us.
Juntei Kannon is mentioned in the notable Mahayana sutra, the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra, where she is depicted as a powerful embodiment of Avalokiteshvara's compassionate energy. In this sutra, Cundi emerges from the compassionate bodhisattva's meditative glow, symbolizing the natural expression of enlightened compassion. Her practice is further detailed in dharani-specific texts, such as the Cundi Dharani Sutra, which offers clear instructions on how to recite her mantra for purification, protection, and spiritual growth.
These texts were later translated into Chinese during the Tang dynasty by esteemed Indian monks Vajrabodhi and Amoghavajra. These sacred texts helped weave Cundi's practice into the East Asian esoteric Buddhism. In East Asian Vajrayana (known as Mikkyō in Japan and Tangmi in China), she holds a vital role in dharani-focused esoteric practices, where her mantra is utilized for karmic purification, spiritual advancement, and overcoming challenges. These practices often incorporate visualization techniques, ritual mudras, and the recitation of the Cundi Dharani for a specific number of days (typically 21, 49, or 108) to bring about transformative results.
While she may not be highlighted as often in the main Tibetan tantric cycles (like Guhyasamāja, Chakrasamvara, or Kalachakra), the Great Mother Cunda does appear in some minor Vajrayana lineages and local Himalayan traditions. These are especially common in syncretic temples that merge Chinese Vajrayana with Tibetan elements, where she is called upon as a protector and purifier, particularly in rituals designed to ease suffering and provide spiritual clarity.
Juntei Kannon is highly regarded for her striking eighteen-armed appearance, with each arm holding a unique tool or mudra that symbolizes different facets of enlightened action. These arms serve a dual purpose: they reflect the eighteen virtues (gunas) essential for achieving Buddhahood, while also functioning as mystical weapons to conquer greed, hatred, delusion, pride, envy, and fear.
| Arm Number | Implement/Mudra Held | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vajra | Represents unbreakable wisdom, dispelling ignorance |
| 2 | Lotus | Symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening |
| 3 | Sword | Cuts through ignorance and delusion |
| 4 | Bell | Signifies the sound of emptiness and impermanence |
| 5 | Lasso | Binds negative karma, taming mental afflictions |
| 6 | Rosary (Prayer Beads) | Reflects constant practice, meditation, and mindfulness |
| 7 | Scripture/Scroll | Embodies wisdom teachings and enlightenment knowledge |
| 8 | Trident | Triumphs over the three poisons: ignorance, attachment, aversion |
| 9 | Lotus Scepter | Symbolizes royalty and spiritual authority |
| 10 | Staff | Supports the spiritual journey |
| 11 | Conch Shell | Represents the propagation of the Dharma |
| 12 | Jewel | Fulfills wishes and symbolizes spiritual wealth |
| 13 | Axe | Cuts away obstacles and hindrances |
| 14 | Water Vessel (Kumbha) | Symbolizes purification and spiritual blessings |
| 15 | Rosary | Represents devotional recitation and counting merits |
| 16 | Dharmachakra Mudra | Turning the Wheel of Dharma, spreading Buddha's teachings |
| 17 | Abhaya Mudra | Dispels fear and grants protection |
The eighteen arms of Cundi represent the many ways compassion and enlightenment can manifest. Each tool and gesture symbolizes a unique facet of spiritual guidance, showcasing the bodhisattva’s vibrant role in helping all beings find their way to liberation. By visualizing these arms, practitioners can deepen their understanding of how compassion intertwines with wisdom.
The core practice associated to Juntei Kannon is the Cundi Dharani — a powerful mantra that encompasses a wealth of merit, spiritual insight, and protective energy. The mantra mentioned below is cherished for its ability to cleanse past karma, shield against obstacles, and speed up spiritual growth.
"Namo sapta nāṁ samyak-saṁbuddha koṭīnāṁ, tadyathā: oṁ cale cule cundi svāhā."
The mantra is often practiced with a lot of dedication over certain periods—usually 21, 49, or 108 days—to foster a deep spiritual transformation. As a key element of dharani-based esoteric practices, it’s paired with visualization techniques where practitioners envision Juntei Kannon’s multi-armed form radiating compassionate energy. The Cundi Dharani isn’t just a chant; it serves as a meditative tool that helps guide practitioners toward awakening and liberation.
Juntei Kannon is often seen as the feminine side of Avalokiteshvara, especially in esoteric traditions that delve into the balance between masculine and feminine bodhisattvas. In this context, Cundi emerges as a feminine embodiment of compassion, infused with a fierce ability to tackle delusion head-on. She is also closely linked to:
In tantric art, these feminine deities are more than mere symbols; they embody the vibrant forces of an awakened mind, accessible through visualization and dedicated practice.
At Enlightenment Thangka, our Juntei Kannon artwork is hand-painted by lineage-trained artists using natural pigments and 24k gold highlights. Each thangka is more than visual beauty — it is a spiritual portal that supports meditative absorption and brings divine energy into one’s home or altar.
Traditional iconography rooted in Himalayan Vajrayana thangka manuals
Fine detailing of all eighteen arms, faces, and implements for accurate visualization
Blessed by artisans trained in both the artistic and spiritual lineages of the sacred arts
Customizable sizing and framing (brocade options available)
This thangka is ideal for:
Personal devotional altars
Retreat cabins or meditation halls
Dharma gift-giving (especially for initiates into dharani or deity practices)
Even if you are just starting out with dharani or deity visualization, you can slowly weave Juntei Kannon into your spiritual journey. Her practice is really welcoming, making it a great fit for both newcomers and experienced practitioners. By reciting the Cundi Dharani or meditating on her eighteen-armed form, you can nurture clarity, compassion, and inner strength. With regular devotion, her presence can become a guiding light and a protective force, helping you overcome challenges on your path to awakening.
Prepare a Clean Space: Light incense or offer flowers in front of the thangka.
Center Yourself: Sit in silence for a few breaths.
Chant the Dharani: Recite the Cundi Dharani slowly and mindfully.
Visualize Her Form: Focus on the thangka, allowing her image to stabilize in your mind’s eye.
Dedicate Merit: At the end, offer your practice for the benefit of all beings.
For advanced practitioners, this can be expanded into full sadhana sessions, incorporating mantra recitation beads (mala), hand mudras, and visualization within the deity's mandala.
In a world that often feels scattered by distractions and a fixation on material things, Juntei Kannon brings us back to a place of clarity, compassion, and grounded spiritual strength. Her eighteen arms serve as a reminder that wisdom is complex, blending both strength and gentleness, insight and action. Through her divine presence, she represents the beautiful balance of these qualities, guiding us toward a life filled with compassion and equilibrium. Practicing the Cundi Dharani not only helps to cleanse past karma but also nurtures mental clarity and emotional resilience, empowering us to tackle life’s challenges with courage and grace.
Whether you are a seasoned Vajrayana practitioner or just starting to explore the sacred path of Buddhism, weaving the Great Mother Cunda into your spiritual journey can be a profoundly transformative experience. Having a Juntei Kannon thangka in your meditation space encourages daily reflection on her qualities, reinforcing your dedication to mindfulness and spiritual development. By tapping into her energy through visualization and mantra recitation, practitioners can unlock the boundless potential of compassionate action, turning every moment into a step toward enlightenment.
