​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 universally to save sentient beings, appearing in thirty-three different forms, from the Buddha to humans and non-humans. The chapter emphasizes that as long as one has faith and single-mindedly recites Avalokitesvara's name, all difficulties and calamities can be averted. Therefore, it has received widespread attention, circulation, and recitation, and has been compiled into a book called "Guanyin Bodhisattva Sutra."
 
While the Universal Gate Chapter is simple in text and its content aligns with the general public's desire for worldly benefits, Master Sheng Yen believed that the Universal Gate Chapter was precisely meant to guide those who lacked faith, whose behavior and mind were deviant, and those who were suffering from afflictions and pain. Once one's faith in Avalokiteshvara is awakened, believing in the Bodhisattva's power of salvation. In doing so, one will naturally cultivate inner confidence, thereby learning from the Bodhisattva, emulating a Bodhisattva, and widely benefiting all sentient beings like an incarnation of a Bodhisattva.
 
Therefore, besides solitary practice, many temples also hold "Avalokiteshvara Dharma Assemblies" with the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra as the main recitation. The content includes the Praise of the Willow Branch and Pure Water, the Mantra for Purifying Body, Speech, and Mind, the Verse for Opening a Sutra, the Universal Gate Chapter, the Mantra of Avalokiteshvara's Miraculous Response, the Great Compassion Mantra, the Avalokiteshvara Verse, Vow and prostrations, the Three Refuges, and dedication of merit. Through the collective practice of the Dharma Assemblies, the resonant power of the communal chanting echoes continuously in the hearts of all. In this way, one generates the aspiration to learn the compassionate virtues of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The compassionate vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva are like streams of nectar, helping people to eliminate and dissolve the afflictions of greed, anger, and ignorance that arise from the various difficulties of life.
 
The Heart Sutra

Among Mahayana scriptures, the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra is the most concise and widely circulated exposition of the Mahayana doctrine of emptiness. It recounts how Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin Bodhisattva) cultivates "Prajnaparamita", thereby perceiving the emptiness of the five aggregates. It has long been regarded as a classic text for Avalokiteshvara's practice.

When reciting the sutra, one should further aspire to be Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, thereby experiencing the wisdom of emptiness realized by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Using the principles of the Heart Sutra, one should constantly observe oneself with clear and discerning wisdom and contemplate the five aggregates as empty in nature, in order to be free from "attachment to self" and "attachment to dharma". When one is free of desires, one is able to ultimately achieve true purity and liberation.


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: Keith Brown, Patricia Yang