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Vietnamese Kuan Yin Bodhisattva Empowerment–2017 from Holy Vajrasana Temple on Vimeo.

 

Three Kuan Yin (Avalokitesvara) Bodhisattva’s Great Compassion Empowerment Dharma Assemblies were conducted by Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche at the Thai Son Pagoda, in Da Nang, Vietnam on December 15, 16, and 17. Khartas were offered, along with chanting and prostrations to the Holy ones.

Many received healings and various forms of empowerments. Some even saw the magnificent Great Bodhisattva. Some spontaneously started singing, dancing and doing graceful mudras that they had never done before. Everyone was very happy. Even the fish, frogs, and critters that were released into a nearby creek were jumping for joy and eager to return to their homes, receiving the refuge vows in the process. Two weeks later more turtles, crabs, and other living beings were released into the Han River according to the requirements for concluding Kuan Yin Bodhisattva’s Great Compassion Empowerment Dharma. In fact, the most important aspect of the Kuan Yin Great Compassion Empowerment Dharma is selflessly benefiting and helping living beings.

 

 

 

Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche also conducted an all-day class in DaNang to discuss the book based on discourses given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III entitled, Learning from Buddha. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is not surprising that Kuan Yin should make such a pronounced presence in Da Nang during the ceremony. Her images are everywhere. A 220 feet (67 meter) marble statue of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva on a 115 feet (35 meter) lotus base overlooks Buddha Beach (Bai But) in the Son Tra peninsula area of Da Nang. Facing the vast South China Sea and seen from the resorts and beaches of downtown DaNang, it is part of the Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But and considered to be the highest Buddhist statue in Vietnam. It is told that coastal fishermen found a statue of a Buddha on the beach here during the Nguyen Dynasty (nineteenth century) and built a small pagoda (temple) to house it. Kuan Yin appeared there and rescued local people and brought a peaceful life.

Da Nang, a bustling city of over 1,000,000 population is the third largest city in Vietnam and a major port city and tourist destination. It is distinguished by the five Marble Mountains, named for the five elements found in Chinese medicine. These ever present mountains dominate the landscape and contain many caves, grottos, as well as temples and pagodas. 

 

The marble mountains are being converted into marble statues, with Kuan Yin being one of the most frequently seen. The quaint and beautiful temple where the ceremony was held, the Thai Son Pagoda, is built into one of these marble mountains. Across the street from the temple are sculpters carving more images of Kuan Yin.

The warm rain that fell on Sunday seemed to add to the mystery of Kuan Yin’s presence as warm breezes wafted across the beautiful white sand beach to the temple. DaNang, Vietnam is deserving of the title, the Riviera of Asia.

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