2019 International Forum on the Guan Yin Culture

On September 28th and 29th, 2019, Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) held The 2nd International Forum on the Guan Yin Culture at the New Taipei City Hall. We had an appreciation dinner to express our gratitude to all the supportive friends from different fields.

Our study on the 108 Lokeshvaras began upon our receipt of 108 thangkas of Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara) over a decade ago. The various forms of Guan Yin are intriguing that we wanted to find the origin. We were able to find Master Takaoka Hidenobu from Japan and several Nepalese scholars who are experts in the 108 Lokeshvaras. The connections marked our journey to find out more about these 108 forms of Guan Yin.

The 108 forms represent the infinite skillful means that Guan Yin uses to liberate sentient beings. She’d apply all kinds of methods in helping beings and establish them on the path to the ultimate happiness. Guan Yin is a Bodhisattva admired and loved by everyone. Next, we need to make an internal transformation after having a compassionate connection with Guan Yin. We’d become stabilized and quiet down. Then, we’d appreciate the beauty of this world.

This is a chaotic world. Whether it’s global warming or shifting seasons, the signs are alerting us on the deterioration of the ecosystem. By the compassionate connection of Guan Yin, everyone in the world joins hands to create the power of love. Together, we focus on global crises and find solutions. The welfare of planet Earth also concerns our wellbeing. By recognizing that the shared benefits of Earth are also ours, we’d focus on the sustainability of Earth and mankind.

The International Forum on the Guan Yin Culture manifests the compassion of Guan Yin with all kinds of references and academic studies. The forum can also extend to the topic of “love Earth” and ways of helping the planet. The primary objective is to transform our minds, so the power of compassion is shown. Let’s come to the recognition of interdependent diversity and interconnectedness. The intention of wishing to set beings free from suffering and obtain happiness is the quintessence of Guan Yin. It is impartial compassion that applies to all races, religions, rich and poor. As long as we recite the name of Guan Yin, she’d help us apart from suffering and obtain happiness. This joy of altruism touches everyone.

In 2020, we’ll be holding the International Forum on the Guan Yin Culture at Nagoya, Japan. We hope this forum would inspire more people and prosper every year. Hopefully, more people could attend and learn about Guan Yin. Allow the compassion of Guan Yin to shines brighter than ever.