Guan Shi Yin’s Birthday (Lunar Day 19, 2nd Moon)

On the 19th day of the 2nd Moon, which this year falls on April 6th, we celebrate the Golden Immortaless Guan Shi Yin’s Birthday. Known as “Vessel of Compassion” and “The True Person” to Taoists, Guan Yin is highly revered in both Taoism and Buddhism. Asians, and the Chinese especially, have long prayed to Guan Yin. She became enlightened through observing the world’s sounds; the sounds of the sufferings of the people in our world.

In Chinese, “Guan Shi Yin” means “One who regards the world’s sounds.” Hence, even when reciting just her name, “Namo Guan Shi Yin Pusa” (Homage to Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva) continuously and sincerely, she will hear and respond accordingly.

There are many stories accounting those who claim she has helped believers and non-believers alike. The Great Compassion Mantra consists of 84 lines, which are powerful invocations to Guan Yin. It is said that she can take any form she needs to provide you with assistance. Unlike what many assume upon first learning to chant to Guan Yin, nothing is asked for in the sense of exchange or sacrifice, only one’s sincerity.

Many people naturally have doubts as to what chanting can do. Sounds are a very powerful energy. Using sounds to change the vibrations of our frequency is a spiritual practice that has largely remained obscure. Vibrational frequencies are the very nature of our material universe. It is vaster than the frequency range we humans can perceive, with electricity, heat, light, and even X-rays existing on higher, much faster vibrations. It is theorized that thoughts and the unknown etheric and spiritual dimensions are in a realm of such increased vibrations that they are beyond anything that is calculable at this time.

Meditating with sound can work dramatically in your personal life and can help the attainment of a new awareness free of the petty issues of the ego.

If you are interested in learning more about chanting to Guan Yin, the powerful spirit of compassion who hears the cries of the world, we welcome you to join our membership and study the section on Taoist Chanting.

See also Stuart’s book Taoist Chanting and Recitation, and his book on the Six Healing Sounds, if you’d like to learn more about sounds for healing.