Great Compassion Mantra

The Great Compassion Mantra, formally known as the “Mantra of the Great Perfect and Unobstructed Compassionate Heart,” originates from the translation by the Indian monk Jialuandamo during the Tang Dynasty, derived from the “Sutra of the Great Perfect and Unobstructed Compassionate Heart of Avalokiteshvara.” This text is of great significance within Buddhism and is widely employed in rituals, meditation, and recitation.

The author of the Great Compassion Mantra is Jialuandamo, who translated the Sutra of Avalokiteshvara and subsequently composed the mantra. Since its translation during the Tang Dynasty, this text has been widely disseminated and incorporated into the practices of Buddhist monasteries in the Han region.

The Great Compassion Mantra consists of 84 lines, primarily transliterated from Sanskrit, making its precise literal meaning challenging to convey in Chinese. It encompasses the eight virtues of Avalokiteshvara’s great compassion and equanimity, advocating the cultivation of these qualities for spiritual practice and interactions with the world, ultimately leading to the purification and awakening of the mind.

The Great Compassion Mantra holds immense significance within Chinese Buddhism. It not only embodies the compassion of Avalokiteshvara but also symbolizes the Bodhisattva’s boundless compassionate power. Reciting the mantra aids in eliminating karmic obstacles, invoking blessings for others, and ultimately assisting sentient beings in liberating themselves from the suffering of samsara, thereby attaining ultimate peace and happiness.

In contemporary times, the Great Compassion Mantra continues to be a vital scripture within Chinese Buddhism, extensively utilized in various rituals and ceremonies. In some Buddhist temples, the mantra is recited daily during morning and evening services, allowing practitioners to participate. This practice deepens believers’ understanding of Buddhist teachings and strengthens their faith and spiritual practice.