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| Quan Yin Festivals Three days a year, devout Kuan Yin devotees celebrate the three festivals which are attributed to the life of Princess Miao Shan, the Chinese emanation of Kuan Yin. This legend of the sweet and virtuous Miao Shan has so captivated the hearts of the Chinese people that she outshines all other deities in the land, be they of Buddhist, Taoist or any other origins. She is adored as the Goddess of Mercy and in all the other female Kuan Yin manifestations as described earlier. The three auspicious days are: 2nd Moon 19th Day - Marks the Day She was Born 6th Moon 19th Day - Marks the Day She Entered the Nunnery 9th Moon 19th Day - Marks the Day She Attained Enlightenment On these day, devotees and those who have received favours from Kuan Yin flock to the various temples to make offerings, set birds and animals free, observe a full day vegetarian diet, perform all kinds of charitable acts, visit old folks homes or orphanages bearing gifts and good wishes, and observe the Five, Eight or Ten Precepts very seriously. Generally, the Five Precepts are observed and they consist of: Not killing or harming living beings Not taking what is not given Not indulging in sexual activities Not indulging in false speech Not consuming intoxicants of any kind The entire day is spent in quietude, contemplating on the Great Vows of Kuan Yin to save all sentient beings and to forsake the bliss of Nirvana, or on the great virtuous qualities of this great Mother of Mercy such as loving-kindness, compassion and wisdom. The more energetic ones may indulge in a full day�s practice of prayer-recitation, Sutra-reading followed by meditation on the happiness of others and then transfer all merits accumulated to all sentient beings. This does not mean that Kuan Yin followers practise virtuous deeds on these and other festive days only. To those who are well on the Kuan Yin Path, practice is a moment-to-moment affair from the day that they have accepted Kuan Yin into their hearts till the day enlightenment is won. However, beginners of the path are advised to practise as best as they can, aiming for gradual progress and refraining from over-commitment to spiritual development unless they have experienced teachers to guide them. Devotion and faith in Kuan Yin cannot be acquired hurriedly but can be won over a period of time. The legend of Kuan Shih Yin P'usa can hardly be completed without mentioning the Heart Sutra (The Prajna Paramita Hridaya Sutra) and the Dharani of Great Compassion (Ta Pei Jou - poem to the right next to bamboo), both of which are daily recited by those who are committed to the Kuan Yin Path of Great Wisdom and Compassion. Exerpt from Seuteck Worldwide |
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| Kuan Yin: Compassionate Savioress Quan Yin Kuan Yin: Goddess of Mercy, Friend of Mankind The Legend of Kuan Yin Kannon Bosatsu The Enlightenment Of Bodhisattva Kuan-Yin |
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