Description
Note on the Kannon Sutra of Endless Life Although it functions like a dharani, with […]
Note on the Kannon Sutra of Endless Life
Although it functions like a dharani, with the words essentially powerful ritual sounds like mantra, this piece is relatively easy to translate. This version has the English translation of the Japanese transliteration in the middle section.
‘Enmei’ means ‘prolonging life’. Reciting this sutra is said to ensure health for the one who chants it as well as for the rest of the world. The celestial being referred to here was known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. In Japanese there are different versions of her name, including Kannon, Kwannon and Kanzeon. In Chinese she’s called Kuan Yin, Guanyin or Kuan-shih yin. She is the one who hears, or hears and sees things of the world and is the personification of compassion.
Kannon Sutra of Endless Life
(sung—3 times)
Kanzeon Kanzeon
Kanzeon Kanzeon
(spoken)
Kanzeon,
praise awakening,
we are born with awakening,
we grow with awakening,
we grow with awakening, the way, and our companions.
Eternity is full of joy, the self is pure,
morning’s thought is Kanzeon,
evening’s thought is Kanzeon.
Thought after thought rises in the mind,
thought after thought is the mind.
(sung—3 times)
Kanzeon Kanzeon
Kanzeon Kanzeon
________________________________
Enmei Jikku Kannon Gyo
(sung —3 times)
Kanzeon Kanzeon
Kanzeon Kanzeon
(chanted—3 times)
Kanzeon
namu butsu
yo butsu u in
yo butsu u en
bup-po so en
jo raku ga jo
cho nen Kanzeon
bo nen Kanzeon
nen nen ju shin ki
nen nen fu ri shin
(sung—3 times)