Q: We all know the extraordinary power of the Great Compassion Mantra. When we hang a calligraphy of the mantra at home, Dharma Protectors will be present. If there are family members who do not believe in Buddhism, nor are they vegetarian yet, can we still hang the calligraphy of the mantra? Is there anything we need to pay attention to if we wish to do so?
A:
The Great Compassion Mantra comprises the sacred names of Bodhisattvas. Where a calligraphy of the mantra is displayed, Bodhisattvas and Dharma Protectors will be present. Therefore, you have to be especially respectful.
To a person who does not practise Buddhism, displaying a calligraphy of the mantra has little effect, and it is merely a piece of artwork that lacks energy. Nevertheless, the Great Compassion Mantra will still help to prevent calamities in general. For people who are not vegetarian, as long as they believe in Buddhism and do not eat any freshly killed creatures, they will still be blessed and protected by the Bodhisattva. Otherwise, it would be difficult for the Bodhisattva to protect and bless them. Therefore, believing in Buddhism is the most factor.
Generally, the calligraphy from the Guan Yin Citta Centre is recommended. Many versions on the internet have errors or typos, do not use them. If you are producing the calligraphy of the mantra yourself, please take note of the following:
Do not use black as the background colour. You should use yellow or white instead.
The text can be in black as it gives it feels serious and elegant. Gold is fine too.
It can be printed or handwritten, you must ensure that there is no error (the Guan Yin Citta Centre version is recommended).
There are no restrictions on the typeface in Chinese. It can be in semi-cursive script, cursive script, regular script, etc. However, please ensure it is neat and legible.
It is acceptable to write on paper, silk, etc.
On handwritten versions, do not the ones with signatures or personal stamps/seals.
A rectangular version is best. It can be displayed in portrait or landscape orientation.
Places to display the calligraphy of the mantra:
Put it in clean places such as the living room, study, or prayer room.
Do not hang it directly above the yellow landscape painting (used as the background for a Buddhist altar). You can display it opposite or on either side of the Buddhist altar.
If it is displayed beside the Buddhist altar, there is no hard and fast rule about the height for the mantra and the yellow landscape painting. (Note: if you are hanging a landscape painting of water and mountains (also known as the blue landscape painting) near to the yellow landscape painting, please ensure that its position is lower than the yellow landscape painting. However, the height of their display will not be a concern if they are some distance apart.)
You may display the calligraphy of the mantra in a single bedroom that is clean, and where the occupant’s thoughts are pure. However, the head or feet of the occupant should not face the mantra. If conditions do not permit this placement, it is acceptable to display it obliquely opposite to the head or the feet. It is best to place it on the wall alongside the bed.
It can also be placed in a basement room.
Do not hang it in sordid places, such as in the washroom or couples’ rooms. Do not place it on the wall shared by these rooms either. Finally, do not hang it over a mirror.
Other places you can display it include opposite the Buddhist altar, the entrance area of the house (facing the main entrance), on the wall beside the couch or behind the office desk.
If there are family members who are not fully vegetarian and the mantra is placed in the living room, please ensure that it is placed some distance away from the dining table where non-vegetarian food is consumed.
It can be displayed beside a clock but not underneath.
Keep it away from air conditioners and toilet entrances.
It is disrespectful to put it behind the television. It is acceptable to place it behind the couch facing the television as long as they are reasonably separated.
It is best to frame the calligraphy of the Great Compassion Mantra as this makes it feel more elegant. This does not apply to the blue or yellow landscape paintings as they represent boundlessness, while a frame restricts it. In fact, they look very stately and elegant without a frame.
It is best to obtain a calligraphy of the Great Compassion Mantra which has been blessed by Master Lu. For those that have not been blessed, you may perform recitations to invite Guan Yin Bodhisattva to bless the calligraphy. During incense offering, optimally during auspicious timings such as 8am, 10am, etc., raise the scroll of the Great Compassion Mantra with both hands and slightly touch the top of your head, before placing it on the altar (it is not necessary to unroll it). Pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for blessings. Thereafter, make full prostrations 7 times. It is best to recite the Great Compassion Mantra and Heart Sutra once each.
Do not display the calligraphy of the Heart Sutra as it will easily attract foreign spirits. The Heart Sutra is a kind of energy, vibrations and a form of currency. Many foreign spirits will come for it when they see it. On the other hand, the Great Compassion Mantra represents a sort of “solidity” or “stability”. It is a dharma gem that can guard us from negative energy.
发表于 2021-9-5 15:16:12