CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF AVALOKITESVARA BODHISATTVA, 19TH DAY OF THE 2ND LUNAR MONTH, PL2567

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, also known as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, is a Bodhisattva who feels deeply close to the Vietnamese people. In particular, Vietnamese people often know Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in the form of a woman, and so affectionately call the Bodhisattva by the tender name "Merciful Mother Quán Thế Âm." However, many Buddhist scriptures depict Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva in a male form. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva symbolizes compassion and the relief of suffering. The name "Quán Thế Âm" carries a very special meaning: "Quán" refers to observing and understanding clearly. "Thế" refers to the world, to life, to existence among sentient beings. "Âm" refers to sound—the cries for help and pleas of suffering beings. Thus, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is the Bodhisattva who constantly observes and listens to the cries of suffering beings in the world in order to come to their aid. With boundless compassion and selflessness, the Bodhisattva saves all beings without discrimination, just as a mother always protects her children. This spirit of compassion—relieving suffering and hardship—is regarded as the defining vow of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. For this reason, people throughout the ages have praised the Bodhisattva with these words:

Bound by karmic affinity to this world of suffering,
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva enters the homes of mortal beings.
Bringing peace to those lost and suffering,
Deep faith and earnest vows bring stillness to the soul.

In the Lotus Sutra, in the Universal Gate Chapter, the vow of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to relieve suffering and hardship is described with great clarity and profound impact. The Bodhisattva manifests in countless forms according to karmic conditions in order to relieve suffering and liberate beings. The Buddha taught: "If there are immeasurable hundreds of thousands of myriads of sentient beings undergoing all kinds of suffering, who single-mindedly call upon the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva will immediately perceive their voices and grant them liberation."

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva manifests in countless forms to help all beings throughout every world and realm, and for this the Bodhisattva was praised by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Lotus Sutra: "Sentient beings caught in hardship, bodies pressed by boundless suffering, the wondrous wisdom-power of Avalokitesvara can save the world from pain. Endowed fully with spiritual powers, and vast, skillful wisdom, throughout the lands of the ten directions, the Bodhisattva manifests everywhere." One of the most distinctive images of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is the form with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes. This image was created based on the Bodhisattva's vows. The thousand eyes represent the ability to observe and see everywhere, to know where sentient beings are suffering. The thousand hands represent the ability to save countless beings caught in the cycle of birth and death. Because of this vow to relieve suffering, bestow joy, and manifest in boundless ways, people everywhere honor and worship Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, reciting the Bodhisattva's name, especially in times of danger and hardship. The image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva has also entered the treasury of Vietnamese literature, reflected in the legends of Quán Âm Thị Kính, Quan Âm Diệu Thiện, and Quán Âm Nam Hải. Each year, people solemnly celebrate the Bodhisattva's memorial days. Vietnamese people typically observe three such occasions honoring Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva:

- The 19th day of the 2nd lunar month: the day commemorating the Bodhisattva's birth.
- The 19th day of the 6th lunar month: the day commemorating the Bodhisattva's enlightenment.
- The 19th day of the 9th lunar month: the day commemorating the Bodhisattva's renunciation and entry into monastic life.

For life to be peaceful and joyful, bringing benefit to both oneself and others, each person should strive in daily life to cultivate the practice, to learn from and follow the Bodhisattva's vows, especially on these commemorative days, when even greater devotion is called for. Specifically: - One should vow to eat a vegetarian diet, visit the temple to pay respects to the Buddha, and offer prayers. - Recite the Great Compassion Mantra, the Universal Gate Sutra, and chant the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. - Sponsor the printing and distribution of sutras, perform good deeds, and release captive animals to cultivate further blessings. - Practice deep listening in order to truly understand and love others, and to practice tolerance and forgiveness. Offerings presented to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on these commemorative days should be pure and vegetarian, such as: incense, flowers, lamps, candles, fruits, and vegetarian foods.

Celebrating the birthday of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, 19th day of the 2nd lunar month, PL 2567. Diệu Tướng Am respectfully wishes all Venerable Monks and Nuns, devoted Buddhists, and valued customers: "HEARTS TURNED TOWARD THE BUDDHA'S ALTAR, MERIT ENDURING FOREVER."