The Tale of Kuan Im: The Bodhisattva's Path
Exiled from her royal life, a princess faced countless hardships with unwavering grace and resilience. Her profound compassion for all beings inspired her transformation into Kwan Yin, the Bodhisattva of mercy, embodying love and understanding. Now, she serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to enlightenment and compassion for countless souls seeking solace and peace.
Adorned in white, Kwan Im is revered as the goddess of compassion. She is the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, a divine being who hears the cries of suffering humanity. The Sanskrit term 'Avalokiteshvara' literally means "the one who looks or listens down" to the mortal realm. Thus, Kwan Im is a Bodhisattva who embodies the essence of compassion and kindness.
King Miao and his beloved crown princess. (Source : Personal Collection)
During the waning years of the Zhou Dynasty, in the Chinese state of Xing Lin, King Miao Zhuang had three daughters. His worldly ambitions led him to seek noble alliances for them. Miao Shan, the youngest, however, was drawn to a spiritual life. Her desire to become a nun clashed with her father's plans, resulting in her exile. Time marched on, and the king's health deteriorated.
Old monk meet the king (Source : Personal Collection)
A visiting monk delivered a dire prognosis: the king's ailment required a potion made from the selfless sacrifice of an arm and eyes. Desperate, the king turned to his daughters, only to be met with refusal. The monk suggested a pilgrimage to Fragrant Mountain, home to a compassionate Bodhisattva. Unbeknownst to the king, the monk was Miao Shan, transformed by years of spiritual practice. She revealed herself to her father's messenger, declaring, "This illness is a consequence of past actions, but as his daughter, I must alleviate his suffering." With unwavering compassion, she offered her own eyes and arm. The monk returned to the kingdom, concocting a miraculous elixir that healed the king, a testament to Miao Shan's extraordinary sacrifice.
King Miao met his daughter, who had become a bodhisattva, and apologized in front of her followers.(Source : Personal Collection)
Filled with gratitude, the king thanked the monk. The monk responded, "The true gratitude lies with the one who sacrificed." Upon reaching Fragrant Mountain, the king was devastated to see his daughter, blind and maimed, yet surrounded by her disciples. Miao Shan greeted him with a serene smile, urging him to live with compassion. In a breathtaking moment, a celestial light enveloped them as Miao Shan transformed into a radiant Bodhisattva, her missing limbs miraculously restored.
