Coming up on 28th March 2024 (19th day of the 2nd Lunar Month) is Guan Yin Bodhisattva Birthday.
Let us use this day, to cultivate a Bodhi mind and connect to Guanyin’s compassion and wisdom in ourselves.
“In Buddhist classics, Avalokiteśvara, or Guanyin Bodhisattva, is described as a great Bodhisattva with compassion and wisdom, because Guan Yin vowed to alleviate suffering, respond to any prayers, and deliver sentient beings anywhere in the Saha World.
In the lunar calendar, there are three important dates celebrating Guanyin’s Birthday, Enlightenment Day, and Renunciation Day.
Although the source of Guanyin’s Birthday was not confirmed in any Buddhist sutras and there have been conflicting views about the date, the practice of celebration has been accepted by Buddhists. The Record of the Verified Meaning of the Pure Standards of Pai-changrevised in Qing Dynasty recorded that February 19th in the lunar calendar is Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Birthday. On this day, temples conduct Guanyin Bodhisattva Dharma Service, including
1) homage to Guanyin Bodhisattva 3 times;
2) recitation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s Universal Gate Chapter;
3) concluding by chanting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name 108 times.
To celebrate Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Birthday, Buddhist temples hold the Guanyin Bodhisattva Dharma Service. Through chanting Praise of Purified Water, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s Universal Gate Chapter, Great Compassion Mantra, Guanyin Verse and prostrating to vows, practitioners can connect to Guanyin Bodhisattva’s compassionate vow to alleviate suffering and immerse themselves in Guan Yin’s wise teachings.”
Text Source: Dharma Drum Mountain, Three Important Days Related to Guanyin Bodhisattva
