Special Topics
The Avalokitesvara Method: Opening Up All Skillful Means
Different methods demonstrate the compassionate deliverance of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva. He opens up all expedient means, manifesting universally, allowing countless beings to receive the Dharma according to their capacities and be liberated. Even simply reciting "Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva" is the supreme Dharma method. ■ Zhang Jinde (張錦德) When people feel fear or apprehension, they often recite scriptures, verses, or the Buddha's name. However, many ...
Reciting the Name: Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
Reciting the name is the simplest method among the Avalokiteshvara methods. The Universal Gate Chapter states that reverently and constantly reciting "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" not only keeps one away from the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, but also brings immeasurable merit and benefits. Even if one wishes to have a blessed and wise son or a beautiful and virtuous daughter, simply praying to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and reciting his holy name can fulf...
Reciting Mantras: Six-Syllable Mantra, White-Robed Avalokiteshvara Mantra, Ten-Phrase Avalokiteshvara Sutra for Prolonging Life, Great Compassion Mantra, Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Mantra
There are many mantras related to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The most widely circulated and familiar to Buddhists in Han Chinese regions is the Great Compassion Mantra. The Six-Syllable Mantra and the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Mantra, prevalent in Esoteric Buddhism, came to Han Chinese regions with the introduction of Tibetan and Mongolian Esoteric Buddhism. Additionally, the White-Robed Avalokiteshvara Mantra--- although not originating from Indian Buddhism--- i...
Repentance: The Great Compassion Repentance and the Repentance Method of Worshipping Avalokitesvara
The Great Compassion Repentance The Great Compassion Repentance and the Great Compassion Mantra share the same origin, both deriving from the Avalokitesvara Perfect Unobstructed Great Compassion Dharani Sutra. The Great Compassion Repentance was developed, compiled, and structured by the Song Dynasty Master Zhili based on this sutra. It includes the Great Compassion Mantra and the core teachings of the sutra, while also encompassing various procedures and rituals for setting up ...
Scripture Reading: The Universal Gate Chapter and the Heart Sutra
Scripture Reading: The Universal Gate Chapter and the Heart Sutra The Universal Gate Chapter Studying scriptures is also a common method of practice of Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara). The Universal Gate Chapter is the twenty-fifth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, in which Buddha Shakyamuni explains the origin of Avalokitesvara's name and how Avalokitesvara travels through the Saha world to preach the Dharma to sentient beings. It clarifies that Avalokitesvara manifests ...
Chan Contemplation: Perceiving the Emptiness of the Five Aggregates and the Perfect Penetration Method through the Ear Faculty
Chan Contemplation: Perceiving the Emptiness of the Five Aggregates and the Perfect Penetration Method through the Ear Faculty The Heart Sutra's Perceiving the Emptiness of the Five Aggregates Besides recitation, the opening lines of the Heart Sutra, "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, coursing in the deep Prajnaparamita, perceived that all five skandhas are empty, thereby transcending all suffering," clearly indicate that the Heart Sutra's "method of perceiving t...
The Three Guanyins of Dharma Drum Mountain
By Hsu Tsui-ku (許翠谷) Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) is renowned as a Dharma center which emulates Guanyin Bodhisattva. Within the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education, three statues—the Founding Guanyin, the Wish Fulfilling Guanyin, and the Welcoming Guanyin—form a vertical axis from the summit to the foothills, watching over and protecting this Dharma center. As a Buddhist sculpture, the Founding Guanyin reflects the style of the Qing Dynasty, while th...