Guan Yin, My Idol

The primary teaching of Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) is the compassionate Dharma Door of Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara). My Dharma pursuit began right at the moment when I heard the name of Guan Yin. Ever since, she has been the “idol” of my emulation and inspiration. The Dharma Door of Guan Yin is the path of my life. This teaching constitutes of two elements: Chan and Compassion. These two are the spirit and essence of LJM.

What is our objective for sitting meditation? It is to be liberated from cyclic existence and afflictions. Guan Yin’s Method of Listening to Sound is the Dharma Door which Guan Yin had attained enlightenment upon hearing the sound of the ocean. She then realized the unarising and unceasing. From attentive listening, she attained the liberation from cyclic existence and afflictions. That being said, we must emulate Guan Yin. What would be the first lesson? To listen with our auditory consciousness. By listening to the sound of silence, our mind can attain realization. When it does, afflictions and samsara are cut through consequently. That’s why I’m teaching the Four-step Technique of LJM’s Peace Meditation. Chan practice is the first thing to learn. Through this practice, our mind can be safeguarded, and wisdom can be cultivated.

Then, what is the most precious quality of Guan Yin? The inexhaustible and great loving-kindness and compassion. Her intention to liberate all beings from suffering that never wanes. The faith for Guan Yin is deeply rooted in the mind of Chinese people worldwide. As the saying goes, “every household prays to Guan Yin and every family reveres Amitabha”. In this time full of disaster and suffering, Guan Yin is one of the bodhisattvas with a deep connection with us. Her primary aspiration is to alleviate the suffering of sentient beings. That’s why we should recite the Great Compassion Mantra (Long Dharani). Let’s transform our body, speech, and mind into Guan Yin’s spirit. All the surrounding noise would become harmonized with the sound of our mantra recitation. As a result, all sounds become the Great Compassion Mantra in oneness. The key is the thoroughness of inside and outside.

Some asked, “What is Chan in daily life?” Chan is the clear understanding devoid of confusions. Chan is free from confusions. In life, we must learn to safeguard of mind with clarity and engage in compassionate and beneficial activities for beings. The simultaneous working of Chan and practice makes one a delegate of Guan Yin. Everyone becomes a manifestation of Guan Yin.