Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf 132

THE FIVE HUNDRED NAMES OF AVALOKITESVARA BODHISATTVA CEREMONY

(February 19, June 19, September 19 Lunar Calendar)

 Dr. Bhikṣuṇī TN Giới Hương

HƯƠNG SEN Publishing

 HƯƠNG SEN BUDDHIST TEMPLE

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 CONTENTS

 Introduction The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Sutra 5

1. Incense Offering 9
2. Present The Reason Of The Ritual 10
3. Praising The Buddhas

And Bodhisattvas                                     12

5. Praising Avalokitesvara 15
6. Beginning Ritual Verse 17
7. The Five Hundred Names

Of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Sutra     18

8. Loving-Kindness Sutra (Metta Sutra) 101
9. The Insight That Brings Us

To The Other Shore                               103

10. Read The Names Of Buddhas

& odhisattvas                                          106

11. Reflecting Avalokitesvara

Bodhisattva                                             107

12. The Twelve Great Vows

Of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva             109

13. Repentance Verse To Avalokitesvara 114
14. Meditation 116
15. Sharing The Merits 117
16. Prayer Of Aspiration 118
17. Taking Refuge At The Three Jewels 123
18. Salutation To Thousands

Of Buddhas In Three Times                  124

19. The Divine Gatha 125

 INTRODUCTION THE AVALOKITES_VARA BODHISATTVA SUTRA

(Leader’s Remarks)

 The   19th   day   of   the   2nd   lunar   month

commemorates the Birthday of Avalokitesvara. The     19th day   of      the          6th     lunar      month

commemorates       the      Enlightenment       of

Avalokitesvara.

The 19th day of the 9th lunar month commemorates the Renunciation of Avalokitesvara.

• THE SIGNIFICANCE

Avalokitesvara (Quan Thế Âm) is the Bodhisattva who observes (Quan) the sounds (Âm) of suffering in the world (Thế) to provide rescue. Therefore, Her method of cultivation is “Returning the hearing to listen to one’s own nature” (Phản văn văn tự tánh). 

Through the mastery of this dharma door, She can manifest in 32 different forms, working alongside sentient beings to relieve their suffering. She possesses 14 powers of Fearlessness (granting courage to those in need) and Four Inconceivable Virtues of Non-Action. Consequently, Her capabilities and responsiveness are profoundly sacred and miraculous. She is revered as the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion.

• CORE MEANINGS AND PURPOSES

Symbolism of Wisdom and Compassion: The name Avalokiteśvara represents Wisdom (Quán - to observe) and Compassion (Thế Âm

- listening to the world’s cries). These are the essential qualities of a future Buddha.

A “Spiritual First Aid”: The sūtra describes the Bodhisattva’s “other-power” as a form of emergency aid for those in distress. Practitioners recite the names to seek relief from physical illness, mental suffering, and external disasters like war or natural catastrophes.

Transforming Karma: A primary focus is encouraging cultivators to transform evil karma into good deeds for the benefit of all living beings. It reminds practitioners that while the Bodhisattva provides support, individuals must eventually “light their own torch” through the practice of the Proper Dharma.

• FIVE HUNDRED NAMES

The prayer of the Five Hundred Names of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Sūtra is a compilation where each of the 500 names praises a specific vow, merit, reincarnation, or mighty power of the Bodhisattva. Compiled by an anonymous Vietnamese Buddhist monk around the 13th-century Trần dynasty, this sūtra serves as a profound tool for both spiritual protection and personal transformation.

The names are arranged from specific, physical concerns to deep philosophical realizations:

1. Aspirations and Background (Names 1–7): Recounts the Bodhisattva’s ancient causes and his great vow to gain one thousand hands and eyes to save all beings.

 Virtues and Protections (Names 8–497): Quotes various sūtras—most notably the Great Compassion Dhāraṇī Sūtra—to detail how the Bodhisattva heals diseases, subdues demons, and protects against 15 kinds of untimely death.

2. Vows to Support the Dharma (Names 498–500): Concludes with the practitioner’s vow to ensure the longevity of Buddhist teachings through their own daily actions.

The Three Ways of Saving Beings

The prayer emphasizes that Avalokiteśvara saves beings through three distinct methods:

1. Giving of Goods: Providing basic necessities like food, medicine, and
2. Giving of Fearlessness: Granting courage to those who are vulnerable or afraid.
3. Giving of Dharma: Teaching the “Right View” so that individuals can free themselves from spiritual and material (o)

Homage to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara of Great Compassion, who attained Perfect Penetration through the Faculty of Hearing 

by returning the hearing to listen to the Self- Nature. (o)

Homage to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara of Great Compassion, who hearkens to the cries of the world to rescue all from suffering and disasters. (o)

Please read the Whole Book: 500 Names of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva: 132-The_Five_Hundred_Names-Roll-Inside.pdf