Contemplates the Sounds of the World, Turns Inward to See the Self Nature, Hears the Cries of the World, and Liberates All Sentient Beings from Suffering

Guan Yin, which means “to perceive the sound,” is the Chinese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, the source of measureless compassion. A majestic statue of Guan Yin stands beside a wish-fulfilling pond at the right side of the entrance to Buddha Gate Monastery, compassionately welcoming all practitioners.

Based upon the Lotus Sutra and the Shurangama Sutra, Avalokitesvara is generally seen as a savior, both spiritually and physically. In the Heart Sutra, Avalokitesvara describes to the Arhat Sariputra the nature of reality and the essence of the Buddhist teachings. Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s profound and extensive vows are to hear the sounds of the world, manifesting with a thousand hands and eyes, transforming according to conditions in the six realms, hearing the cries of suffering sentient beings and liberating them.  In coming to the aid of sentient beings, Guan Yin can take on many different forms.

The statue of Guan Yin, which stands beside the pond at the right side of the entrance to Buddha Gate Monastery, holds a vase of pure water, signifying that the Dharma spreads universally like sweet dew, cleansing and purifying the body and mind of all sentient beings.  A small Buddha (Amitabha) adorns the Bodhisattva’s crown or headdress, signifying the upholding of the Buddha’s teachings. One can come before the Bodhisattva’s statue to make sincere vows and pray for blessings. Guan Yin will compassionately protect those who come to pay homage and will fulfill all their wishes.

When we calmly listen to the sound of flowing water from the fountain, we are immersed in the sweet dew of the Dharma, cleansing and purifying our body and mind, and mitigating all our vexations, worries, and suffering.  If we can reflect and listen inwardly, we will be in accord with the wonderful objective of Guan Yin Bodhisattva: “Contemplating the self nature through hearing, and attaining supreme enlightenment.”

Buddha Gate Monastery welcomes all devotees to pay homage to the pure and majestic statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and to realize the spirit of Guan Yin – the wisdom of “Listening inward to realize one’s self nature,” and the great compassion of “Hearing the sounds of suffering beings and saving them.”