~ May 19
Her elegant sashes flutter as she passes,
her white silk robe radiant as holy light,
her golden belts blessing the air.
A perfected mind and a golden body:
pearls and jade fringe her face
and dark hair coiled like a dragon;
brows like new moons, eyes like stars
and a flash of red from her joyous lips.
She holds a vase full of willow branches
from which she casts redeeming water.
Her orchid heart loves green bamboo
which grows on her sacred mountain,
in the cave of tidal sound.
—Chinese hymn to Kuan-Yin
In Chinese tradition, merely saying the name of the bodhisattva Kuan-Yin is enough to attain salvation, for she is so merciful that no request goes unheeded, no prayer unanswered. In many sculptures, she is shown carrying a vase from which branches of weeping willow extend; she uses these willow wands to spread droplets of precious healing water throughout the earth.
It is not always easy to believe in such universal mercy. Yet, Buddhist wisdom tells us, it is always there, always ready to be called upon. Like an unfathomably kind and maternal presence, Kuan-Yin awaits our prayers. And we do not even need to articulate our needs precisely, for just the simple mention of her name draws this kindly goddess to our side. Do not hesitate: call upon her now, and she will answer you.
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