作者單位：華梵大學中國文學系副教授 Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Literature, Huafan University
關鍵詞
聖嚴法師=Venerable Master Sheng Yen; 楞嚴經=Surangama Sutra; 觀音法門=The practice method of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; 觀音菩薩=Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; 耳根圓通=The Method of Perfect Penetration of the Ear Organ
The Wondrous Wisdom of Guan-yin authored by Master Sheng Yen is a special book which he expounds the practice method of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guan-yin), the Perfect Penetration of the Ear Organ. This essay investigates this Guan-yin practice as elaborated by the Master in this book and his other related writings together with his teaching of Chan practice. In general, the practice stated in the Surangama sutra is regarded as self-reliant that one can practice and benefit on one’s own; whereas, the Universal Gate chapter in the Lotus Sutra talks about the Bodhisattva Guan-yin’s deliverance of sentient beings by reciting his name wholeheartedly. The former is about a practice that one can attain the complete and perfect wisdom by engaging in the practice of Perfect Penetration of the Ear Organ on one’s own; the latter is about Bodhisattva Guanyin’s universal and equal deliverance of all sentient beings regardless of any danger or suffering that sentient beings encounter. In The Wondrous Wisdom of Guan-yin, the Master elaborates the concept, theory and the practice of the Perfect Penetration of the Ear Organ, so we can have a clear understanding of it. Moreover, he advocates this practice from his religious faith on Bodhisattva Guan-yin. In other words, he believes in the deliverance of sentient beings by reciting Guanyin’s name and the purification of one’s self through the learning of Guanyin’s wisdom and compassion. Above all, he believes that one shall not only benefit oneself but also benefit others by emulating Guanyin and practicing his method. And that is exactly the significance of Guanyin’s practice and the well intention of Master of writing this book.
