The Gathas by Bodhisattva Akasayamati

"O Bhagavat with all the mystic signs, Let me now inquire again:

For what cause is this virtuous man named; He who beholds the world with absolute freedom?" 

The Gathas by the Buddha

"Listen to the deeds of Avalokitesvara, Who responds well to every quarter,

His vow is as vast as the oceans, Surviving for inconceivable kalpas.

Serving an uncountable number of Buddhas, He has made an imcomparable vow.

Let me relate it in brief: Anyone who hears his name or sees him,

And bears him steadfastly in mind, Will be able to end the sorrows of existence.

If men with harmful intentions, Throw you into a pit of fire;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, The pit will become a pool.

While sailing across the oceans, If threatened by dragons, fishes and demons;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, The waves will never drown you.

On the peak of Mount Sumeru, If men would hurl you down;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, Like the Sun will you hang in the sky.

If pursued by wicked men, You fall from the Iron Mountain;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, Not one single hair will be injured.

If overwhelmed by robbers, All with slashing swords;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, Their hatred transforms into kindness.

If sentenced by royal command, To die by the executioner's blade;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, The blade will break into pieces.

If imprisoned, shackled and chained, Limbs bound by gyves and stocks;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, So will you be freed.

If by curses and poisons, Men seek your destruction;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, They will all be returned.

If you meet with evil rakshasas, Venomous dragons and various demons;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, None will dare to hurt you.

If surrounded by fierce beasts, With sharp fangs and fearsome claws;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, They will flee in every direction.

If faced with serpents and scorpions, Breathing poison and scorching flames;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, At your voice will they retreat. 

Thunderous clouds and flashing lightning, Falling hail and heavy rain;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, Instantly are they scattered.

In disputes before a magistrate, In fear before armies arrayed;

By the virtue of remembering Avalokitesvara, All your enemies will be routed.

Sentient beings are trapped and harassed, Oppressed by countless sufferings;

But Avalokitesvara's wondrous wisdom, Can save this suffering world.

Perfect in miraculous powers, Expert in wisdom and tact;

In the all the realms of the universe, There's nowhere he does not appear.

All the evil states of existence- Hells, animals and ghosts;

Sorrows of birth, aging, disease and death, All he will progressively end.

True and serene regards, Far-reaching and wise regards;

Compassionate and kind regards, He's ever wished for and sought after.

Pure and serene in his radiance, With wisdom like the Sun that destroys darkness;

Able to quell calamities of wind and fire, His universal light illuminates the world.

With a body of compassion like thunder, And thoughts of love like great clouds;

He showers the sweet rain of the Dharma, To quench the fires of klesa.

Wondrous is the voice of Avalokitesvara, Universal and like the ocean tide,

It surpasses all the sounds of the world. 

Therefore bear it constantly in mind, With never a single doubt.

Avalokitesvara is pure and noble.

In pain, distress, death and calamity, Will he be a sure reliance for all.

Endowed with all merits, He beholds all with compassionate eyes;

Such a boundless ocean of blessings, Let us prostrate and rever him!"
 
 

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