Kwan Yin, Goddess of Compassion. I have been reading a book about this peaceful and loving goddess entitled "Discovering Kwan Yin" by Sandy Boucher. Last Friday, I read this:
"...Kwan Yin is wide compassion and open acceptance....I petition her on a daily basis. If you do that, things don't seem to move to crisis. It's not like waiting and waiting until there's crisis and
then calling on Kwan Yin. And if there's something that's really bothering me, I specifically make a request about that. Whether it's for resolution or the highest good or highest purpose, something like that. If there's someone I know who is needing help, I would say the mantras (
Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu-Sa) and dedicate them to that person and do a visualization of Kwan Yin connecting to him or her, like an energy line going between Kwan Yin and that person."
I was on my afternoon break at my new job. I had spent the last week sending email reminders to people whose Social Security Cards we still needed to photocopy. I had sent hundreds of emails and was finally on the "W" section of my list. I had sent my standard email and received a nasty reply from a young man named Justin. He said, "This is complete bullshit!" And on and on went his email. I was a bit rattled by his message, but replied in a professional manner with the reasons for needing his card. I had two phone calls in a row after I sent him my response and was very worried it was him, calling to yell at me in person. Anxious and frazzled I went on my break. I read the above passage and realized that for this young man to have sent such an angry email to a complete stranger, he must have been unhappy and dissatisfied with some part of his life. So, instead of being hurt and angered by his actions, I began to visualize Kwan Yin. I imagined her standing upon her lotus, wearing her glowing white robes, shimmering with the love and compassion of her heart. I imagined her between Justin and myself and saw her love protecting me and nourishing him. I finished my break and went back to work. Later, that evening I checked my email and had another message from Justin. He said, "OK Thanks. I'll come by next week." I thank Kwan Yin for her intervention and blessing. I wonder, had I not petitioned this Goddess, would his response have been the same?
A statue of Kwan Yin has been sitting on my altar for about ten years. She has been there, watching and waiting, but it is only recently that I have made an effort to understand her and invite her into my life. This experience has made me sit up and pay attention. Not only do I need her love and peace and wisdom in my heart, but I need to (and choose to) invite her into my daily practice. I can no longer sit idle, watching my life unfold, I must become an active player and shape my life into the loving, peaceful, wise journey I wish it to be.
Happy Winter Solstice. Merry Christmas. This is a magickal time of year. My wish for all the world is one of peace and serenity, calm and love. The darkest night has come and gone. The light returns to Earth, warming us, bringing us comfort. The promise of spring is upon us. The Christmas trees that fill so many of our homes this holiday season are a symbol of the green and life that does not die. No matter how cold and dark the world becomes life continues to surround us. We are not alone. We are connected to each other. Remember, as you complete your holiday shopping, getting frustrated with the long lines and grouchy, hurried shoppers that those same people have the light of love within themselves. Smile at them. We are all connected. As the light returns do not dismiss the dark. She has much to teach. We learn from our dark and take our lessons into the light...making it brighter everytime. No matter what holiday or holidays you choose to celebrate at this time of year hold love, light and peace in your heart. Live from that space. I wish you many blessings!
