Question for Shurangama Mantra Practitioners

[Heterodox Garden]

Hello.

I think some of you practice recitition of the Shurangama Mantra. I hold the both the Shurangama Sutra and Shurangama Samadhi Sutra in high regard, but I've never practiced the mantra from the former.

I've seen the practice of Shurangama Mantra recitation explained in terms of Three Platforms (mantra, siddham visualization, mudra). Do any of you do the mudras? And if so, do you need transmission from a living teacher, as with most Vajrayana/Esoteric practices? Or is this different as a generally more "Mayahana"-istic teaching and less of a purely esoteric one (?)

Some years ago I spoke with a Shingon priest who said without initiation one can do certain esoteric practices, but he cautioned me from attempting to do Mudras without initiation. However, I've heard different things from some Chinese practitoners of various lineages. I wonder what anyone might think about this with regard to the Shurangama Sutra?

For reference, here is a brief description of the Three Platform practice (without mudra information):
http://www.siddham.org/yuan_english/sha ... 30101.html

And here is one with mudras information:
http://www.drbachinese.org/vbs/101_132/vbs132/132_6.htm

All input welcome as always.

[Fortyeightvows]

Have you memorized the mantra ?

[Heterodox Garden]

Have you memorized the mantra ?

No, but I'm consodering trying. Although it is considerably (rather intimidatingly) longer than nianfo/nenbutsu, with which I am more familiar.

The rather limited reading I have done suggests that simply reciting the much shorter heart portion of the mantra also has innumerable benefits.

[Fortyeightvows]

It'd be worth learning! It's long but if you just memorize it one line at a time and then read it along with a recording it won't be too difficult.
The best way to learn the mudras is from a teacher for sure and by learning the mantra one would create the cause and condition for receiving these teachings.

[Heterodox Garden]

It'd be worth learning! It's long but if you just memorize it one line at a time and then read it along with a recording it won't be too difficult.
The best way to learn the mudras is from a teacher for sure and by learning the mantra one would create the cause and condition for receiving these teachings.

Thanks very much for the input!