Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 203

1841.

Sketch of Kwanyin.

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bounding mercy and compassion have delivered your doctrines, and hell has crumbled to pieces. Were you to remain long here, then even iron itself would be insufficient for a durable perdition. When the celestial emperor hears that this wrong has been inflicted he will at once call you to return to earth.

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All the infernal kings attended Kwanyin to Mangpo Ting, and there separating from her, commanded the troops of perdition to lead her to the black fir forest, and give her spirit back to her. Shen awa- kening said, I have ascended to the very borders of heaven, and how is it that I have returned hither? She sat upon in deep thought not knowing whither to bend her course. little time Budha came riding upon the clouds, and bowing and wor- shiping, playfully said, We can well endure to dwell together in a thatched cottage, and there together let us live. Shen answered, why profane me by such a sensual speech? Budha said, I am only jesting with you, my heart is really established toward you, and I desire to proceed with you to the fragrant hills. Shen making no reply, Budha farther said, I am no other than the real Sheihkeä (Budha), and specially proclaim to you the place to which you can repair. Shen bowing her head and expressing her thanks asked, Tọ what place? Budha replied, In the country of Yuě (present Chě- keäng), near the southern seas are the isles of Pooto Yen," which is the place to which you can repair, and I will, in your behalf, call upon the dragons of earth to create a water-lily stand upon which you can cross over the seas. At Pooto, a white tiger gnawed wood for her, the god Kealan opened out for her a pleasant piece of ground, eight dragon kings both day and night took charge of the rising tides, and four celestial kings arranged the stone pillars for her dwelling. Shen dwelt on the isle of Pooto Yen nine years, and hav- ing perfected herself in merit cut out flesh from her arm in order to rescue her father from illness, and she held a bottle containing a sweet dew in order to secure long life to all the people. She was attended on her left by Shen Tsae who possessed universal intelli- gence, and on her right by Lung New of unbounded virtue. Shen converted the whole of her family, and cultivating the principles of virtue, they all ascended to heaven. The supreme emperor, be- holding that Kwanyin's merits filled the world, and that her miracles were everywhere manifest, assented to the representations of the gods Laoukeun and Meaouyo, and proclaimed her the deity, of abounding mercy and vast compassion, the rescuer from distress and difficulties, the most faithful one, the spiritual assister, and the guardian sound of

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