Avalokiteshvara Universal Gate Sutra Recitation: Saves from every danger; Many forms of Compassion

Glorious Avalokiteshvara Guanyin Chenrezig Kannon is immediately synonymous with the word Bodhisattva, the quintessential superhero savior. In Chapter twenty-five of the wondrous Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha makes it clear that Avalokiteshvara rescues all beings who call the name of the Bodhisattva. CONTENTS 00:00-03:36 Introducing the Sutra, source, benefits and names of the Bodhisattva 03:36-14:59 Sutra Recitation of Universal Gate Sutra (Lotus Sutra Chapter 25) 14:59-15:20 Dedication of Merit of the Recitation This chapter is sometimes referred to as the Universal Gate Sutra. In this treasured sutra, the World Honored Buddha also explained the countless forms of manifestation of the Great Bodhisattva. Not only male and female but any form that is beneficial to the Sangha. Especially on Avalokiteshvara Guanyin’s special three days, celebrated on the nineteenth days of the second, sixth and ninth lunar months of the year, we recite the Universal Gate Sutra and chant the great Dharanis and mantras of Avalokiteshvara. Reciting out loud with faith purifies negative karma and is meritorious, with merit multiplied on Avalokiteshvara’s three days or any Buddha Day. Remembering, with faith and understanding that Avalokiteshvara has countless forms and names, as explained in the Sutra, you can call out any of his or her names. This Sutra not only teaches the virtues of the Great Bodhisattva of Compassion as a savior for all beings who call out his name with faith, as well as his countless forms, but it also teaches the Bodhisattva Aspiration. At the end of the Sutra, when Akshayamati makes an offering to Avalokiteshvara, he at first refuses the offering. Shakyamuni Buddha asks Avalokiteshvara to accept the offering for the benefit of all beings. With this Bodhisattva aspiration, Avalokiteshvara accepted the offering. This emphasizes the point of dedicating the merit of all practices and offerings to the benefit of all sentient beings. Normally for recitation and for praises we use the names of Avalokiteshvara, but we can also chant the name translated, such as Guanshiyin, Kannon or Chenrezig, or in any language. Here, we recite Avalokiteshvara. If you prefer Guanshiyin or other names, you can substitute them. Likewise, some people say “he“ and some people recite “she.“ Both are fine, as the great Bodhisattva is not limited to one form or gender. Recite along with us now, the 25th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, known as the Universal Gate Sutra. Here begins the Sutra. AT THAT TIME Akshayamati rose from his seat, uncovered his right shoulder, placed his palms together, and facing the Buddha, said, “World Honored One, for what reason is the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara called ‘Avalokiteshvara’?“ The Buddha told Akshayamati; “Good son, if any of the limitless myriads of innumerable living beings who are undergoing all kinds of suffering hear of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and recite his name single-mindedly, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva will immediately hear their voices and rescue them. “If a person who upholds the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is in danger from a great fire, the fire will not burn him, all because of this Bodhisattva’s awesome spiritual power. “If a person being tossed about in the great flood calls out the Bodhisattva’s name, he will find a shallow place. “If a person ventures on the great sea, an evil wind may toss their boats. But if among them there is even one person who calls out the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, they will all be saved from storms and dangers. For this reason, he is called Avalokiteshvara. #buddhistsutra #lotussutra #avalokiteshvara #avalokitesvara #chenrezig #chenrezi #kanon #kannon #quanyin #quanyinpusa “Further, if a person who is attacked calls out the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, not even a hair will be harmed. “If demons and monsters torment a person, if they hear him call out the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, all those evil ghosts will not even be able to stare at that person with their evil eyes, how much the less harm him. “If a person, whether guilty or not, who has been imprisoned calls out the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, he will be freed. “If bandits infest a dangerous road on which a group of merchants travel, but among the merchants there is even a single person who says, ‘Good men, do not be afraid! You should all single-mindedly recite the name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This Bodhisattva bestows fearlessness upon living beings. If you recite his name, you shall surely be saved from these robbers,’ And, if upon hearing that, the merchants all cry out together, ‘Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva,’ then they will immediately be saved because they recited his name.... continues in subtitles...