Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

In Sutras And In Our Hearts (Part 1)

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is also known as Guan Shih Yin Pu Sa [观世音菩萨] or more popularly known as the Goddess of Mercy. The words ‘Guan Yin’ is a translation from the Sanskrit ‘Avalokiteshvara’; with the ending ‘svara’; ‘sound’, ‘noise’, meaning ‘sound perceiver’ and literally, ‘he who looks down upon sound’ — the cries of sentient beings who need his help. This etymology was further reinforced by the tendency of some Chinese translators, notably Kumarajiva, who used the variant ‘Guan Shih Yin’ that means ‘literally “he who perceives the world's laments and cries” — wherein ‘lok’ was read as simultaneously meaning both ‘to look’ and ‘world’.

Synonymous with infinite compassion, kindness, mercy and love; Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva has been depicted in many forms; male, female and at times even genderless. But in many Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is most commonly depicted as female and throughout history, the veneration of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is common and even more so on her holy day(s) that are celebrated thrice a year — birth (2nd lunar month), enlightenment (6th lunar month) and renunciation (9th lunar month).

EXEMPLIFYING THE BODHISATTVA'S RESOLVE 

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s resolve to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has helped all sentient beings to be released from dukkha and the samsaric cycle of death and rebirth, to achieve liberation exemplifies the compassion and selflessness of the Bodhisattva, reinforcing the connection with all sentient beings.

AVALOKITESHVARA IN OUR HEARTS

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is loved and venerated throughout the Buddhist world across Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism for many reasons rooted in the faith, belief and confidence in the Bodhisattva by many, especially in times of need. Generally, the more commonly derived feminine attributes of Guan Shih Yin Pu Sa is known to have originated from the Sanskrit Avalokiteshvara — her male form, since all representations of Bodhisattva were masculine. As the Lotus Sutra relates, Guan Shih Yin Pu Sa is, "by manifesting in a variety of forms, travels in the world, conveying the beings to salvation".

AVALOKITESHVARA IN SUTRAS

THE LOTUS SUTRA

The Lotus Sutra is the first time the Avalokiteshvara is mentioned; Chapter 25 refers to him as Lokesvara (Lord God of All Beings) and Lokanatha (Lord and Protector of All Beings) and ascribes extreme attributes of divinity to him and is able to assume any forms — a child, adult, either gender or genderless and even other beings — whichever best in conveying the message of compassion and answer to those who call out to him (her) in their suffering. It also teaches that by calling on the name of the Bodhisattva, one can obtain both worldly and spiritual benefits.

THE THOUSAND-HANDED AND THOUSAND-EYED SUTRA 

Also known as the Karandavyuha Sutra, this sutra is a mantrayana sutra which extols the virtues and powers of Avalokiteshvara, including the physical transformations of the appearance, described with multiple heads, arms, and eyes. It is also particularly notable for introducing the mantra, ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ into the sutra tradition.

In the above painting of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva is ‘seated facing forward on a lotus pedestal with a resplendent jewelled canopy above him. The “thousand” arms of the deity, each containing a single eye, fan out in a circular fashion so as to completely envelop his body. The largest of the arms, located closer to the body, hold implements such as a sutra, mirror, water vessel, alms bowl, and willow spray. Inside the Bodhisattva’s elaborate headdress is a tiny figure of Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land with whom Avalokiteshvara is closely associated with’. This sutra also serves as the basis for the popular ritual of repentance, Dabei Chan (Ritual of Great Compassion Repentance), created by the Tien Tai Master Siming Zhili 四明知礼 (960-1028), one of the most frequently performed rituals even till today. It also contains the dharani known as Dabei Zhou (Great Compassion Dharani).

THE HEART SUTRA 

The Heart Sutra, also known as the Prajnapramitahrdaya is a popular sutra in Mahayana Buddhism, can be translated as The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom. It encapsulates the highest truth of the sunyata in Mahayana Buddhism though comprising “only” a few paragraphs as compared to other sutras. It is often referred to as a very condensed contemplation manual, with the essence of all the Prajnaparamita Sutras, or an explanation of emptiness in a nutshell. Regardless of the many explanations of what it is, one stands out — it is a sutra that connects our heart with the heart of the great Bodhisattva — the embodiment of the loving-kindness and compassion of all buddhas.