In this thesis, “the Legend of Avalokitesvara” develops mainly from the famous In this thesis, “the Legend of Avalokitesvara” develops mainly from the famous story “Miaoshan the third Princess” in “Shiangshan Treasure Scroll.” And it is also linked with other Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva-related records and before-enlightened stories. In addition, this kind of Buddhist theater, which combines drama, dance, music, presents truth, goodness, and beauty to the audience. The author promotes the techniques and expressions of “Buddhist bodily rhymes” with classic physiognomy and mudra to integrate artistic aesthetics with religious legal aspects, presenting dif-ferent definitions and practical values to Buddhism and performances.
The most widely circulated representative classic throughout the ages is “the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Universal Door.” It has been recorded in the Buddhist scriptures that the Bodhisattva has ever sincerely vowed to save the sentient beings from reincarnation with great mercy. And based on all kinds of necessities, the Bo-dhisattva will turn Himself into various forms to solve every sort of problem. The Bodhisattva not only is omnipresent but also answers for any requests from the sen-tient beings. Furthermore, the Bodhisattva will prevent those who often both recite and respect the sacred name of Guanyin Bodhisattva from all kinds of disasters.
This is why people easily and completely accept the Bodhisattva and feel ex-tremely moved. Besides, it is because of this feature that it is played for a great number of times, including the Bodhisattvas having rescued people from disasters, vanquished demons, and benefited the sentient beings. These dramas have been staged from time to time and rarely have they absent. The author, with the back-ground of a monk, makes further research and innovation and based on the classic Buddhist teachings, the special true meaning of the Buddhist theater is hereby creat-ed, which can accurately implement and express high-level Buddhist arts and cultures. Meanwhile, dance is no longer just dance but the inspiration and transmission through the vitality of Dharma.
What’s more, the part of Avalokitesvara is performed in accordance with “the forty hands-and-eyes” in the “Secret Dharma Sutra of A Thousand-Light-Eye Bodhi-sattva” in order to develop and perform the Buddhist mudras and postures, and so on. According to the different plots various scenes, the author also introduces and ana-lyzes the overall stages and lighting in the passage in turn. At last, the author con-cludes the whole passage with years of teaching experiences and the feedbacks from the students. “Life is like a play and a dream.” The author shows the spirits of Guanyin Bodhisattva on the stage and in front of the audience to achieve the magical effect and true meaning of the transmission of Buddhism. It is presented in a different way and in a diversified mode. Through years of touring performances, it connects with sentient beings and spreads the Dharma to the heart of every audience.
