Every day, we chant the holy name of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. But how should we do this correctly? The complete invocation is: “Namo the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate, Saviour from Suffering, and Vast Miraculous Guan Yin Bodhisattva.” Most people chant: “Namo the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva” or simply “Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva”. When chanting Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s holy name, one should begin with reciting Buddhist scriptures. This means one shouldn’t just chant the holy name alone; it’s crucial to recite the Buddhist scriptures first and then invoke Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s holy name. I’d like to highlight an essential point: there is a profound spiritual response between regular scripture recitation and the invocation of the holy name.
Thus, when you face calamities and don’t have the time to recite lengthy scriptures, chanting the holy name alone suffices. From the depths of your heart, call out, “Namo the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please save me, save me…” In urgent situations, you can simply call, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva, Guan Yin Bodhisattva…” Because of Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s profound compassion and eagerness to save, just chanting her name brings about an immediate response. Always remember, merely chanting “Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please save me,” guarantees her help. Guan Yin Bodhisattva saves upon hearing the call and is ever-responsive. Perhaps, in past lives, you’ve worshipped and sought her assistance. Your bond with Guan Yin Bodhisattva is deep-rooted; thus, your prayers will always be answered.
While the Buddha is immensely compassionate, the compassion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva is especially renowned. Representing the very embodiment of Buddha’s compassion and a saviour from suffering, Guan Yin Bodhisattva stands as a symbol of immense mercy and compassion among the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. She is the embodiment of salvation during hardships. During times of challenge, seeking Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s assistance is highly recommended. Even Shakyamuni Buddha encouraged beings to invoke the help of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Shakyamuni Buddha noted that Guan Yin Bodhisattva, throughout immeasurable eons past, had already attained Buddhahood. Though Guan Yin Bodhisattva achieved enlightenment before Shakyamuni Buddha, her immense compassionate vows led her to continue appearing as a Bodhisattva, helping all beings accomplish their Way. Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s compassion stands as an exemplar for all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Each Bodhisattva, upon reaching enlightenment, takes unique vows. This includes the Great Compassion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, the Great Wisdom of Manjushri Bodhisattva, the Great Conduct of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and the Great Vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Every Bodhisattva’s vow has its distinct features, and one must not compare one against the other. Remember, each Bodhisattva possesses consummate wisdom, varying only in their respective vows. Shakyamuni Buddha, during his time on earth, also guided those in suffering to recite the holy name of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Considering this, shouldn’t we do the same?
Next, I’ll discuss the principle of “equivalent understanding.” In plain terms of Buddhism, it means that your perspective aligns with another’s. For instance, if you’ve studied in the United States and someone else in the UK, it’s seen as having “equivalent understanding.” This implies that both of your foundational grasps of Buddhism are alike. Only with this aligned understanding can the profound teachings of Buddhism be transmitted. Traditionally, teachings flowed from one Buddha to another. Bodhisattvas didn’t attend classes like you do today; they received teachings one-on-one. In this Age of Dharma Decline, for teachings to be transmitted from one to another, both parties should possess similar understanding. That means being on par in terms of cultural exposure, depth of faith in Buddhism, and spiritual progress. This is the essence of “equivalent understanding.” True transmission occurs when there’s this alignment in understanding. Our method of awakening others today follows this same guideline.
If you possess vast knowledge that doesn’t encompass the genuine teachings of Buddha and Bodhisattvas but clings to mundane human reasonings, it’s akin to a vessel being full of water. Once full, it can’t accept more. Picture a cup brimming with cold water during winter; even if you pour in some hot water, the resulting mixture remains lukewarm. To truly fill it with hot water, you must first empty out the cold. You must purify your heart, setting aside former teachings, and not shifting between one Dharma Door and another. Otherwise, how can you truly embrace the profound Dharma Door I’m imparting? As many of you recognise, if a cup contains cold water and you add hot water, the result is merely lukewarm. Only when the cold water is entirely absent does the added hot water retain its heat. Picking up bits of knowledge here and there often leads to merging ideas you’re not even certain are accurate. Why is there a need for a particular spiritual state in mind cultivation? Let’s say the teachings I provide you are akin to “hot water” being poured upon you daily. But if you’ve previously absorbed various other Dharma Doors and fail to let go of them, you’ll constantly drink lukewarm water, never truly experiencing the hot. This analogy is using plain terms to explain Buddhist teachings.
So, how does one attain this Dharma Door? Remember, one must immerse oneself solely in this Dharma Door. If you harbour many personal views and your heart is muddled, having encountered a myriad of people, events, and societal conflicts, then the sacred and the good can’t find a place in your heart. This is because the divine can’t be mixed with even a hint of disorder or contamination. Essentially, in your heart, there should be no remnants of teachings that don’t resonate or elements that are incongruent. This reflects the core of one’s spiritual state. Therefore, immerse yourself deeply in a single Dharma Door. In a lifetime, one can truly master only one Dharma Door. Learning many doesn’t guarantee proficiency; one might not delve deep and could fail.
The reason the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door I teach is so revered is because it’s the finest for the everyday person, and it’s the most suitable and convenient for household practitioners to study. We must be steadfast in our journey of promoting the Dharma and awakening others. If you consistently show concern for others, they will reciprocate. If you frequently express compassion towards others, the Bodhisattvas will extend their compassion to you.
I want to share a fundamental understanding with you: looking out for others is the same as looking out for oneself; extending compassion to others is akin to being compassionate to oneself. We, as humans, often muddle through, perpetually neglecting to treat others kindly and always putting ourselves first. But prioritising ourselves often comes at the detriment of others. This reflects the dialectical way of thinking. Recognise that in giving, you’re graced with unmatched honour, unparalleled joy, and you come to understand the true essence of life. Generosity is the core truth; compassion is the core truth. Those who aren’t generous or compassionate will never experience the joy of the Dharma. Similarly, those who never acknowledge the efforts of others will seldom find themselves being acknowledged, depriving themselves of chances to experience joy.
Equality should come before silent giving; otherwise, it’s a false transmission. What does “false transmission” mean? If you don’t have faith in the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, no matter how much I share and elucidate, if you remain unconvinced, then my teachings have been in vain; that’s what we call false transmission. Every disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha, who followed him to learn and cultivate their mind, began by placing their faith in the Buddha. It was only after this trust was established that the Buddha could share his teachings with them. Today, you’re learning Buddhism under my guidance because you trust me as your Master and my teachings and have faith in Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Likewise, there is an equality between us, arising from your inherent capacity for enlightenment and your past spiritual endeavours. Because of this, I can share these teachings with you. If even one amongst you lacks this belief, then my efforts would amount to a false transmission.
We’ll conclude our discussion here for today. In our next session, we’ll explore the concepts of equality and the wondrous Dharma.