Expert: Bodhicitta - 4/7/2006

Question
Hello

I live in America, in a city that is predominantly Catholic. I'm not christian, and follow a Taoist philosophy, and embrach chan / zen buddhism as well. Unfortunately there are not many resources for learning about Buddhism locally. I only know what I've read in books and online.

My sister-in-law found a small red brocade pouch, with a swasticka on the outside and a small metal amulet of quan yin on the inside (she had already opened before she showed it to me). I believe the writing on the pouch, and the delicate paper the amulet was wrapped in is Chinese. I don't know enough Chinese to read it though.

She found it in the street, and couldn't find the owner. She gave it to me "since you like that stuff". I placed it by my Kwan Yin statue, and would like to know more about it.

How is this used? Is it a Buddhist ritual item of some sort? It does have a very sacred energy about it, and I would like to give it proper respect. I wasn't able to find any information after a few google searches online. Can you tell me more?

Thank you.

Baihu

Answer
Hi Baihu
Sounds like a fortunate find, and I think you could think that
it is an auspicious connection that you received this object.
A gift from Quan Yin himself.

It is probable that it is worn or carried for good fortune. The swastika is an auspicious symbol in both Buddhism and Taoism meaning eternity or indestructibility. Probably the paper contains
a prayer to Kwan Yin. The Kwan Yin statue is sacred in both chinese Buddhism and Taioism. Kwan Yin as you may know is
one of the great Bodhisattvas of compassion. He is  a chinese form of Avaloketishvara.. Sometimes in China he appears in a femine
form, sometimes with child, sometimes with a 1000 arms.

According to chinese legend Kwan Yin dwells on the Island of P'u-t'uo-shan in his sacred land

Hope this helps? Keeping it on your shrine sounds good.

It is possible that the object has a sacred energy about it., Either it has blessed speciallly by a priest. Or maybe it has acquired
a sacred energy due to the devotion shown to it by its previous owner.

Bodhicitta