type
status
date
slug
summary
tags
category
icon
password
AI summary
Guanyin, also known as Avalokiteshvara or simply Guan, is a bodhisattva who observes the sounds of the world and comes to the aid of those who call upon her name. The Heart Sutra elaborates on how Guanyin benefits sentient beings in our world, stating that when suffering beings sincerely call upon her name, she immediately hears their cries and grants them liberation. She can also manifest in various forms, such as a Buddha or a monk, to guide beings.
Avalokiteshvara means "one who looks down with compassion" and signifies a bodhisattva who has attained liberation through wisdom. This refers to the ability to perceive the true nature of reality and to be free from the suffering of ignorance and attachment. According to the sutras, to understand the emptiness of all phenomena is to observe, and to liberate all beings from suffering is to attain freedom. Thus, anyone who has realized this truth is a bodhisattva of compassion.
In Buddhist folklore, the path to enlightenment for Guanyin was incredibly arduous, often likened to the phoenix rising from the ashes. Legend has it that she was the third daughter of King Miaozhuang and was originally named Miaoshan.
Upon Miaoshan's birth, a fragrant aroma permeated the entire palace, and a long-dry well miraculously sprang to life with fresh water. Even more astonishing, the palace pond burst into full bloom with countless lotus flowers, its waters becoming crystal clear. While King Miaozhuang was amazed by these miraculous events, he grew fond of his daughter. Miaoshan, however, showed little interest in the royal life. She preferred solitude, spending her days immersed in scriptures and meditation.
Growing into a beautiful and intelligent young woman, Miaoshan possessed a unique perspective on the world. King Miaozhuang enjoyed her insightful conversations about Buddhism but was troubled by her desire to renounce worldly life. Hoping she would find happiness in a traditional marriage, he tried to persuade her to wed. Yet, Miaoshan's heart was set on becoming a nun.
.webp?table=block&id=11fb5dc8-d074-80cd-86b6-ee5932d531aa&t=11fb5dc8-d074-80cd-86b6-ee5932d531aa&width=704.984375&cache=v2)
Although King Miaozhuang was fond of Buddhism, he was reluctant to let his daughter become a nun. So he said to Miaoshan, 'Since you won't marry, then you shall take care of the household chores. If you can sort this rice into three, six, and nine grades within seven days, I will allow you to become a nun.'
Miaoshan Princess was delighted and worked tirelessly day and night. On the seventh day, she sorted the rice and presented it to King Miaozhuang. The king was astonished. He had thought she would give up, but she had actually done it. However, he still did not want her to become a nun, so he said, 'If you can polish a large mirror in three days, I will let you become a nun.'
Miaoshan Princess knew her father was deliberately making things difficult for her, but since he had spoken, she could not go back on his word. She thought, 'Since I have my heart set on becoming a nun, I will grind an iron pestle into a needle if I must.' So she began to polish the mirror day and night. On the third day, she presented a mirror as bright as silver to King Miaozhuang. The king examined it carefully and was secretly impressed, but he still refused to let Miaoshan become a nun. He said, 'Use this mirror to reflect all the mountains and rivers in the world, and then I will let you become a nun.
.webp?table=block&id=11fb5dc8-d074-80ce-bae3-d36fd55009e9&t=11fb5dc8-d074-80ce-bae3-d36fd55009e9&width=640&cache=v2)
Princess Miaoshan listened, understanding that this was an impossible task. She couldn't help but feel a little anxious. But then she thought to herself, 'Since Father has said this, there must be a reason. Perhaps he is testing me.' So she picked up a mirror and headed out, intending to reflect the mountains and rivers of the world. When she reached the back garden, seeing the blooming peonies, a sudden idea struck her. She plucked a peony branch and tore the petals one by one, tossing them into the air. Then, she picked up the mirror and looked. To her surprise, she saw towering mountains, flowing rivers, and small bridges and houses reflected within. She took the mirror to her father. King Miao Zhuang was astonished and furious. Once again, he broke his promise.
This time, Miaoshan, acting on her own initiative, went to Baima Temple to become a nun. When King Miao Zhuang learned that Princess Miao Shan had become a nun at Baima Temple, he was very angry and sent two maidservants to attend to her, in reality to spy on her every move and report back to him. However, when the two maidservants arrived at Baima Temple, they were touched by Princess Miao Shan's words and actions. Not only did they fail to report Miao Shan's situation to King Miao Zhuang, but they also joined her in her practice. When King Miao Zhuang learned of this, he became even more enraged and ordered Baima Temple to be set on fire, intending to burn Princess Miao Shan to death.
However, Miaoshan and her maid escaped to the mountain, saving their own lives. But after doing this, King Miao Zhuang fell ill. The physician diagnosed him with a strange disease, saying that he needed one eye and one hand from his biological child as a medicinal ingredient to be cured.
King Miao Zhuang was shocked and dismayed. He never imagined that his illness would require such a cruel remedy. However, his pain was unbearable. He summoned his three daughters and told them the situation. Miao Yin and Miao Yuan remained silent, but Princess Miao Shan stepped forward and said, “Father, I am willing to offer one of my eyes and one hand to save you.”
King Miao Zhuang was deeply moved and grasped Miao Shan’s hand tightly, tears streaming down his face. Princess Miao Shan smiled and comforted him, saying, “Father, do not be sad. I became a nun to save all sentient beings. Now that I can save your life, it is also a result of my cultivation.”
Without hesitation, she cut out one of her eyes and one hand and gave them to the old monk. The old monk took the medicinal ingredients, recited a sutra, and boiled them into a medicinal soup for King Miao Zhuang to drink. Before long, King Miao Zhuang’s illness miraculously healed.
Miaoshan’s act of kindness moved heaven and earth. Her body turned into a golden light and flew up into the sky. People knelt down and prayed for her. When the golden light disappeared into the sky, people discovered a bright star in the sky. It was Princess Miaoshan, who had transformed into the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
Loading...
