The Dharani of Great Pity—Mahakarunikacitta Dharani in Sanskrit,

dharani meaning entire control—comprises the holy names of the

Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Beyond expounding, a dharani is left wholly

to chanting as sounded, with the faculty of mind in concentration, unto

entrance in samadhi where dual application of mind ceases, and in

attainment of profound samadhi. Such is retaining the dharani.

The Dharani of Great Pity is read in Sanskrit—a slightly overtaxing job to

begin with, perhaps. Seek guidance from fellow practitioners; find a

printed version with phonetic instructions, even CDs for teaching.

Familiarize with pronunciations by learning one or two lines per day

through a couple of months and, further, succeed in reciting by rote.