Universal Gate Chapter (Lotus Sūtra ch. 25)
Kinh Phổ Môn
Quán Thế Âm Bồ Tát Phổ Môn Phẩm
Usually recited 3 times
About this text
The Universal Gate Chapter is the 25th chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, describing the compassionate vows and miraculous powers of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva. It is often recited on full moon and first days, or when seeking peace and relief from suffering, at temples or home altars dedicated to Avalokiteśvara. The sūtra teaches about compassion, the Bodhisattva’s manifestations, and the power to save all beings from distress.
Preparation & offerings
Before reciting, offer incense, flowers, and pure water, and maintain a sincere, respectful mind directed toward Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
Text
- 1
Once, the Buddha was at Vulture Peak, surrounded by a great assembly of monks and countless Bodhisattvas.
- 2
Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent rose, joined his palms, and asked the Buddha: 'World-Honored One, why is Avalokiteśvara called the Perceiver of the World’s Sounds?'
- 3
The Buddha replied: 'Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva constantly listens to the cries of beings everywhere and responds to save them; thus the name Perceiver of the World’s Sounds.'
- 4
If anyone faces dangers of fire, water, evil spirits, imprisonment, or weapons, and sincerely recites Avalokiteśvara’s name, they will be freed from harm.
- 5
Even when surrounded by bandits, reciting the Bodhisattva’s name brings protection and safety.
- 6
If someone is falsely accused or shackled, by reciting Avalokiteśvara’s name, the bonds will fall away.
- 7
When facing storms, poisons, venomous snakes, or evil spirits, reciting the Bodhisattva’s name dispels all dangers.
- 8
If a woman wishes for a son or daughter, sincerely praying to Avalokiteśvara will fulfill her wish.
- 9
Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva can manifest in thirty-three different forms, adapting to beings’ needs to save them.
- 10
When needed, the Bodhisattva appears as a Buddha to teach; as a god, dragon, spirit, man, or woman, responding as needed.
- 11
With boundless wisdom and compassion, the Bodhisattva saves all beings from suffering and guides them to enlightenment.
- 12
Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent then removed his precious necklace and offered it to Avalokiteśvara as an offering.
- 13
Avalokiteśvara accepted the necklace out of compassion for the assembly, and shared it with the Buddha and other Bodhisattvas.
- 14
The Buddha praised Avalokiteśvara’s virtues and encouraged all to recite the Bodhisattva’s name for peace and liberation.
- 15
If countless beings Suffer great distress, Hearing Avalokiteśvara’s name, They are freed from all calamities.
- 16
Avalokiteśvara’s vast wisdom, Skillfully uses expedient means, Throughout this world, Manifesting to save beings.
- 17
If someone is drowning In the great sea of suffering, Sincerely reciting the Bodhisattva’s name, The raging waves become calm.
- 18
If harmed by evil spirits, Or venomous snakes, wild beasts, Just recite Avalokiteśvara’s name, All dangers will disappear.
- 19
If surrounded by robbers, Brandishing fierce weapons, Remember Avalokiteśvara’s name, They will become kind-hearted.
- 20
If punished by rulers, Facing severe penalties, Wholeheartedly recite the Bodhisattva’s name, Calamities will be averted.
- 21
If bound by chains, Or thrown into prison, Sincerely recite Avalokiteśvara’s name, The bonds will break apart.
- 22
If caught in great storms, Or fierce thunder and lightning, Remember Avalokiteśvara’s name, All dangers will swiftly pass.
- 23
If merchants at sea, Face great waves, Remember Avalokiteśvara’s name, They will return safely.
- 24
If someone wishes for a child, A son or daughter as desired, Sincerely recite the Bodhisattva’s name, Their wish will be fulfilled.
- 25
Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, With miraculous powers, Manifests all forms, Saving beings throughout the world.
- 26
With vast compassion, And boundless wisdom, Always saving suffering beings, Bringing peace and liberation.
- 27
We respectfully bow, To Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, Always remembering your name, May we have lasting peace.
- 28
Homage to Avalokiteśvara, May you illuminate our hearts, Guide us beyond suffering, To the peaceful shore of enlightenment.
Source & license
Dịch nghĩa (trích) từ Hán tạng — Đại Chính Tân Tu Đại Tạng Kinh (Taishō) — do Vietnam Pagodas biên soạn bằng lời văn riêng
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Audio: chanted by Ven. Thích Trí Thoát, from Pháp Hạnh (ph.tinhtong.vn) ph.tinhtong.vn. Ấn tống — phát hành miễn phí, phi thương mại; bản quyền thuộc Pháp Hạnh và người tụng. Free Dharma distribution, non-commercial; © Pháp Hạnh and the reciter.
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