​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 more people, when faced with danger or crisis, naturally recite the holy name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, like a drowning person subconsciously grabbing a life-saving raft.

Reciting the holy name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is the easiest method of practice. Even without understanding the doctrines, simply reciting the name can bring great benefit. However, the Avalokitesvara method is not limited to this. In his book Master Sheng Yen on Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara's Methods, seven different Avalokitesvara methods are listed. These include everyday practices such as reciting the name, mantras, and chanting, as well as mindfulness of one's body and mind, progressing from shallow to deeper levels of concentration. These examples demonstrate the vastness and diversity of the Avalokitesvara methods.

These different methods reveal the richness of faith in Avalokitesvara and highlight the compassionate deliverance of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. He opens up all skillful means, universally manifesting, enabling countless beings to be liberated according to their capacities through different methods. As Master Sheng Yen said, although only the Heart Sutra and the Surangama Sutra are truly profound and penetrating-- reaching the essence of Buddhism and achieving true perfection-- even simply reciting "Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva"-- is a supreme method. The key is perseverance and continuous, deep mindfulness. 


Related articles:

The Avalokitesvara Method: Opening Up All Skillful Means

Reciting the Name: Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

​Reciting Mantras: Six-Syllable Mantra, White-Robed Avalokiteshvara Mantra, Ten-Phrase Avalokiteshvara Sutra for Prolonging Life, Great Compassion Mantra, Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Mantra

Repentance: The Great Compassion Repentance and the Repentance Method of Worshipping Avalokitesvara

​Scripture Reading: The Universal Gate Chapter and the Heart Sutra

Chan Contemplation: Perceiving the Emptiness of the Five Aggregates and the Perfect Penetration Method through the Ear Faculty

The Three Guanyins of Dharma Drum Mountain



Resource: Issue 340 of Humanity Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photo: 江思賢
Translation: James 
Editing: Venerable Yan Hsiang (演香法師), Keith Brown