Avalokiteśvaro Mahāsatto — He Who Hears the Cries of the World

Karmic Event:
Avalokiteśvara once vowed, “If ever I shrink from my vow to liberate all beings, may my body shatter into a thousand pieces.” At one point, overwhelmed by the suffering of saṃsāra, he faltered—and his body broke apart. Through the compassionate blessing of Amitābha Buddha, he re-formed with eleven heads and a thousand arms to better hear and help all beings.

Pāli Reflection:
Avalokitesvaro bodhisatto sabbasattānaṃ dukkhaṃ disvā anukampaṃ akatvā kāyaṃ bhinditvā punarāgataṃ karuṇāya samannāgataṃ akāsi.

Mantras of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva

(He Who Hears the Cries | 관세음보살 | Kwan Seum Bosal)

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1. Universal Compassion Mantra (Sanskrit)

ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ
Om Mani Padme Hūṁ

Purpose:
The heart-mantra of Avalokiteśvara, invoking compassion, mercy, and liberation from suffering.

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2. Korean Devotional Name-Mantra

관세음보살, 관세음보살, 관세음보살…
(Kwan Seum Bosal, Kwan Seum Bosal, Kwan Seum Bosal…)

Purpose:
Used widely in Korean Jogye chanting for invoking immediate compassion and presence.

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3. Extended Tibetan Invocation (optional)

ॐ महाकरुणाय नमः
Om Mahākaruṇāya Namaḥ
(“Homage to Great Compassion”)

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Suggested Practice Routine

Invocation:
Namu Kwan Seum Bosal × 3

Main Mantra:
Om Mani Padme Hum × 108

Optional Praise:
Om Mahākaruṇāya Namaḥ × 7

Closing Dedication (Pāli Prayer):
Karunāyuttarūpeta, nātho loke dayāsayo,
Sikkhā me detha mettāya, magge maṃ na vijāhatha.

Embodiment of boundless mercy, refuge in this world of sorrow,
Teach me the ways of compassion, and do not let me stray from the path.

Prayer to Avalokiteśvara for Tonglen

Ānukampako Avalokitesvaro,
sabbasattānaṃ nātho karuṇāsayo,
rakkhā me karohi sabbadā,
ovādañca me dehi dhītāya mettāya.
Yathā paṭighaṃ vinodemi,
dukkhaṃ gahetvā sukhaṃ dadeyyaṃ,
evaṃ me bhāvanā saphalā hotu.

Compassionate Avalokiteśvara,
protector of all beings, wellspring of mercy,
grant me your protection always,
and guide me in the path of loving-kindness.
As I transform aversion,
may I take in suffering and give peace in return—
may my practice bear fruit.