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 fulfill one's wish.

Because of this spiritual power, reciting the holy name of "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" is the easiest Avalokiteshvara method with which to begin. Buddhists often recite the holy name of "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" when encountering danger, as it has the effect of "awakening faith and dispelling calamities."

How should one recite the name to acquire its benefits? It is best to count recitations and practice regularly and consistently. This entails counting the recitations of Bodhisattva's name by time or number of repetitions, whether silently or aloud, and whether reciting "Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" or simply "Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva". If one can achieve "gathering the six senses and maintaining pure mindfulness continuously," allowing the name to enter the mind, one will naturally feel peaceful and stable. It is as though one is constantly by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's side, never separated or forsaken.



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: Venerable Chang Duo (常鐸法師)
Translation: James 
Editing: Venerable Yan Hsiang (演香法師), Keith Brown