Yasodhara and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara

Sentient beings need a savior in times of crisis. It is believed that Lady Yasodhara, the wife of the Buddha, manifested as Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara to respond to this faith and save all living beings.

In an ancient temple, the bell rings out and incense smoke rises in thick clouds. An elderly devotee, hands trembling as they hold prayer beads, kneels before the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Tears well up in their eyes as they cry out, “Please save me! I am gravely ill and have lost all hope. Please show your compassion and rescue me!”

Beside them, a middle-aged man who appears intellectual speaks up. “Uncle, does Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara really exist? I have heard that during the time of the historical Buddha, he was not present. He was added in later sutras. Is it truly effective?”

The abbot, sitting cross-legged on his platform, opens his eyes. He looks at the man and speaks slowly. “You ask a good question. Historically, during the lifetime of the Buddha, the title Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara did not yet exist. But do you know why he is real now?”

The man shakes his head. The abbot continues, “Because sentient beings need a savior from suffering. When millions and billions of people place their trust and pray, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas cannot bear to disappoint them. They manifest within that title. I believe that Lady Yasodhara herself manifested as Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara to save beings in moments of greatest danger.”

Hearing this, the elderly devotee’s eyes light up. “Venerable sir, will my prayers be answered?”

“Very much so,” the abbot smiles. “Because of infinite compassion, he always listens to the cries of sentient beings. There are those in accidents, about to be hit by cars, who simply chant ‘Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’ and naturally escape harm. Others with severe illnesses, thinking they will die, chant his name and recover. This is thanks to his manifestation and timely salvation.”

The intellectual man remains hesitant. “But if we consider cause and effect (karmic law), one must pay for past actions. How can he intervene?”

The abbot reflects deeply. “Indeed, cause and effect (karmic law) never errs. However, in moments of crisis, if one trusts wholeheartedly and calls for help, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas may temporarily provide salvation. This gives people a chance to make merit to compensate. Saving someone once allows them to preserve their spiritual heart. Later, they release animals, build roads, or perform good deeds. This is how they repay karma more gently.”

The elderly devotee wipes away tears, joins palms together, and says, “I understand now. I will trust fully and chant his name every day.”

The abbot nods. “Exactly. From emptiness, through the faith of sentient beings, existence arises. This is the wondrous nature of Mahayana Buddhism.”