Robin Beck

Seven Syllable Kuan Yin Mantra

Kuan Yin Chanting Meditation

The object of reverence for this meditation is the modern, female Kuan Yin, aka Bodhisattva, Goddess, or Mother of Mercy. The mantra is Na Mo Kuan Shih Yin Pu Sa. The spiritual purpose is to cultivate the virtues of mercy, forbearence, nurturing, etc. Note that the Chinese word for mercy is a combination of the characters for Metta and Compassion; pronounced Jihi in Japan.

The rationale for a female Avalokitesvara apparently comes from the 33 forms in the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra. I was told that the gradual evolution of the modern two armed female form begins in China, between the 6th and 10th Centuries CE. I came across an interersting looking work that discusses this transformation:

THE CREATION OF GODDESS OF MERCY FROM AVALOKITESVARA

"Avalokitesvara who is a male Bodhisattva in India was transformed into a goddess in a Chinese male oriented society. ... The transformation does not appear to have come about suddenly. The male Bodhisattva was gradually given an ambiguous form so that people saw what they desired to see. If we examine the iconographic representations of the goddess in China and elsewhere, the paintings and statues of this Bodhisattva initially did not reveal this change. The female anatomy was conspicuously absent, but from a graceful body structure one could feel the feminine element. At the same time the male characteristics of moustache and beard were also visible in the form of tendril like lines. Even these vanished in the sculptures of the Dazu caves where they appear to be completely female. " -- BAGYALAKSHMI

The earliest depictions in China are male, even though they look feminine to us -- sort of like a man dressed in drag. Actually it was normal macho attire for Hindu male royalty. But this ambiguity was apparently not lost on the Chinese, since their early iconographers often added a moustache, maybe in an effort to avoid gender confusion?

The original female Kuanshihyin was most likely a blending of Tara & Chenrezi. There is also cross pollination with a Taoist Princess, and later on, the Virgin Mary. There are 33 iconographic forms in Chimese Art, and said to be 33 more esoteric forms. The eclectic evolution continues in New Age circles, as Kuan Yin meets Isis, Yameya, Guadalupe, and other goddesses.

The Mantra:
The name Kuan Shih Yin is Kumarajiva's direct translation of Avalokitesvara.

Namo/Namu: A transliteration of Namah, neaning "Hail". It has come to connote devotion, reverence, or taking refuge, as well as actually invoking a a spiritual presence.

Kuan/Guan/Kwan/Kan: Observe, see, regard, pay heed.

Shih/The/Se/Ze: The World.

Yin/Am/Um/On: Sound, Cries, Voice.

Pusa/Botat/Bosal/Bosatsu: A transliteration of Bodhisattva.

This is chanted with the spirit of a loving mother calling her lost child. I do not chant this to ask for blessings; I chant to cultivate the same compassion embodied by Kuan Yin. Hail! Regard the World's Cries, Bodhisattva.

The Iconography:
Often, she is seen standing on a lotus pedestal, holding a willow branch in one hand and an amrta bottle in the other. The willow and bottle might be replaced with a lotus flower and a scroll. Or a lotus staff/sceptre. Or she might be holding a Baby representing Maitreya, the Coming Buddha. Or a hare. Or she is with with two children, a sister and brother from one of the wonderful legends. At times, she is riding her dragon. Or, less often, a tortoise, lion, garuda bird, or fish. The variations are too many to cover here.

She is also shown in several seated postures. The most commom are the Royal Ease posture, with one knee raised, and the Lotus Pose; with hands in her lap; the meditation gesture. I have seen some where she is kneeling on one knee, a pose for making offerings. Or rarely, she is reclining.

Symbolism
The bottle or vase holds Amrta, an ambrosia or nectar of immortality, often associated with Soma. Or, sometimes, it is said to hold healing holy water. The willow branch is used to disperse the amrta of Buddha Dharma to suffering beings. The willow bends without breaking, symbolizing upaya/hoben or a flexible approach.

Download Video 86044 KB Real Movie {rm} file. Use "right click". You will need File Space, & Patience, Broad Band helps.
Visit the Original Home of Kuan Yin Pictures on the web: Kuan Yin Info and Pictures.

Stream 7sylksymantra.m3u..... 7syl.ram...Club Buda NWGYPS Kwan Yin Chants Club Buda sound files.
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Kuan Yin Avalokitesvara Sound Track repeat plays the mantra. Has some good pix and excellent explanations.
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Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Photo Gallery Has large collection of 3.5 X 6.25 images. The repeat play sound track is the 7 beat mandarin invocation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

KuanYinAssociation · Kuan Yin Association ksyart · Kwan Shih Yin Art

I have re-initiated a study of the manifold artistic and iconographic forms of Kuan Yin at ksyart · Kwan Shih Yin Art. So far, collections of Four Armed Chenrezig - Cintamani Avalokitesvara and 1000 eyes and 1000 arms Avalokitesvara - Sahasrabhuja Sahasranetra Avalokitesvara are up. A Willow Leaf Kuan Yin - Bhaisajya-raja Avalokitesvara collection has been started.

Posted by rbeck at March 9, 2006 11:55 PM