March 18, 2025, the nineteenth day of the second lunar month, marks the sacred birthday of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (also known as Guanyin Bodhisattva or the Bodhisattva of Compassion), one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva embodies the supreme virtues of compassion and wisdom in Buddhist tradition. Manifesting in countless forms throughout the cosmos, this enlightened being responds to all cries of suffering, delivering sentient beings from affliction according to their karmic conditions through boundless compassionate means.
The wondrous virtues of Avalokiteshvara are beyond measure,
Accumulated through kalpas of pure and solemn cultivation.
With thirty-two response bodies pervading all worlds,
Transforming the Sahā world through countless eons.
The vase's nectar of compassion ever sprinkles grace,
While the willow branch in hand knows no autumn's passage.
Wherever supplications arise, there the Bodhisattva appears,
A perpetual vessel of salvation across the sea of suffering.
Venerable Master Wule once taught: "Embrace all beings and circumstances with infinite love, nurturing boundless compassion." Such compassionate mind can dissolve all worldly sufferings. To honor Avalokiteshvara's sublime spirit and benefit all sentient beings in this Sahā world, on this most auspicious occasion, Venerable Wule will lead the entire monastic community of Xizu Temple in conducting grand Dharma ceremonies to commemorate the Bodhisattva's enlightenment. These sacred observances will include:
Devotional pujas honoring the sacred anniversary
Recitation of Buddhist sutras and scriptures
Merit dedication for all sentient beings
Through these profound practices, we pray for:
The enduring presence of the true Dharma
World peace and national prosperity
Freedom from calamities
Universal joy and swift attainment of Buddhahood
Liberation of body and mind
Benefiting both self and others
May all beings awaken to compassion's luminous path!
