ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Dhāraṇī

Dhāraṇī is a special word used in Buddhism to describe a type of magical spell or incantation that is believed to have special spiritual powers. Think of it like a magic word that can protect you or help you achieve your goals.

When people chant a dhāraṇī, they believe that it creates a powerful vibration in the universe that can bring about positive changes. This vibration is thought to be created by the sound of the words themselves and the intention behind them.

Dhāraṇīs can be used in many different ways, depending on the situation. Some people use them to protect themselves from harm or negative energy, while others use them to attract good luck, wealth or success in their lives. They can also be used to help people who are sick or in need of healing.

In order to use a dhāraṇī, you need to learn the words and the pronunciation. Some dhāraṇīs are quite lengthy and can be difficult to learn, but once you have it memorized, you can chant it whenever you need to.

Overall, dhāraṇī is a very important concept in Buddhism because it represents the idea that words have power and can be used to bring about positive changes in the world.