Compassion in the Sounds of Earth and Heaven: The Worshipped Quan Yin Bodhisattva (vegan), Part 1 of 3

The Worshipped Quan Yin Bodhisattva, Guanyin, or Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva (vegan), is one of the most revered figures in East Asian Buddhism. Often called the “Goddess of Mercy,” She embodies boundless compassion, kindness, and unconditional love for all beings. Venerated for centuries and depicted in both female and male forms, She is honored as a Protector, Comforter, and Guide Who responds to the cries of suffering in the world. Devotees believe that by calling upon Her name with sincerity, She bestows solace, protection, and blessings of peace. Enshrined in countless temples, celebrated in art, and cherished in daily prayer, Quan Yin Bodhisattva’s presence continues to inspire humanity, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion.

In Buddhist terminology, the great Avalokiteśvara (Quan Yin) Bodhisattva manifests a universal presence through the doctrine of the Trikāya, or “Three Bodies.” The Dharmakāya, or “Truth Body,” is the unchanging, formless essence of ultimate reality, without limits or boundaries. It is the source from which the other two bodies arise. The Saṃbhogakāya, or “Bliss Body,” is a subtle body of radiant Light, perceptible to advanced Bodhisattvas in pure lands and celestial realms. It represents the blissful experience of enlightenment and is often the form in which celestial Buddhas such as the Worshipped Amitābha Buddha and Quan Yin Bodhisattva (both vegans) appear in these realms. The Nirmāṇakāya, or “Manifestation Body,” takes countless forms in the physical world, enabling the Bodhisattva to guide, protect, and liberate ordinary sentient beings.

In a message on October 29, 2024, our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) also mentioned: “Thus, like in the Lotus Sūtra, the Buddha said that Quan Yin Bodhisattva could manifest into different types of positions in order to help people, even to be in the government office, even in the household, or even as a virgin girl or virgin boy. It depends on who needs what help from Quan Yin Bodhisattva.”

According to Mahāyāna legends, Avalokiteśvara made a solemn Great Vow never to rest until all beings are liberated from suffering and the endless cycle of birth and death, in this realm and all others. With tireless effort, He labored, guiding countless beings to liberation. He realized that innumerable others still suffered. Struggling with the immensity of this task, His head split into 11 fragments from the strain. Moved by His struggle, Amitābha Buddha appeared and transformed the fragments into 11 heads so Avalokiteśvara could look in every direction and hear and respond to the cries of beings across the worlds. With renewed strength, Avalokiteśvara reached out to save them. But His two arms were shattered from trying to rescue so many beings at once. Again, Amitābha Buddha came to His aid, granting Him a thousand arms, each with an eye in the palm, so that He could see clearly and reach every corner of suffering.