Why is the saying “beat on the Dharma Drum” the equivalent to “speaking the Dharma?” Why is the drum especially associated with Guan Shi Yin, the listener of the world? We answer these questions and end with a beautiful one hour meditational chant by the 3 Gems Band, combining both Dharma Drum and the profound Námó Guān-shì-yīn Púsà chant.

VIDEO:

In the Lotus Sutra, chapter 12, it is written “I beat upon the Dharma drum, announcing my search for Dharma in the four directions.” What do we mean by this? Since the time of Shakyumuni Buddha, the drum was always played to call the followers to listen to the Dharma teachings.

In most lineages of Mahayana Buddhism, Guān-shì Yin, in Sanskrit known as Avalokiteśvarā, or the Perceiver of the World’s Cries, is the very definition of Bodhisattva. The great Bodhisattva manifests as both male and female, and famously has 108 forms, including peaceful, wrathful and many other forms.

This is why we have the special practice of Praising the 108 Names of Avalokiteśvarā or Guan Shi Yin. 3 Gems Band recorded a beautiful chanting of these 108 Namo praises. Watch for our future video.

These forms inform us that she, or he, manifests and appears to everyone, in every culture, in every situation. Guān-shì Yin always hears our cries of Námó Guān-shì-yīn Púsà or Namo Avalokiteśvarāya and responds with help. This help may manifest as our helping neighbour. Or mother’s care. Or, a helpful stranger. Or, as a goddess or god appearing in a cloud over our head. Or as a saint. Or, as an emergency services first responder. These are all ways and forms in which the Bodhisattva of Mercy responds with help.

The other great symbol of Guān-shì-yīn’s kindness and helping compassionate activity is the Dharma Drum. One definition of his or her name is “The One who hears the cries of suffering.”

For this reason, the Dharma drum calls the monks and nuns to morning prayers with hypnotic, pleasant, reverberating beat. Several sound studies have theorized that drums are so powerful because they mimic the first sound we heard as a baby — our mother’s heartbeat.

The drum continues to play as the prayers and mantras continue. In Buddhism, the drum is synonomous with Dharma sound — the very speech of the Buddha.

For this reason, even lay practitioners might tap the fish drum as they chant. In temple, the great Dharma drum calls out. The beat, is the sound of Dharma itself.

Combining the two sounds, the sacred chant Námó Guān-shì-yin Púsà with the sound of the Dharma Drum is especially profound and symbolic.

Chant along now, as the 3 Gems band chants and beats the Dharma drum for the benefit of all sentient beings.

ONE HOUR OF NAMO GUAN SHI YIN follows with beautiful meditative images.

Please enjoy this meditative chant and drum journey to praise the great Compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Guan Shi Yin.

Credits:Music & Lyrics: Kongchok Namkha音樂與歌詞：Kongchok NamkhaVocals: 3 Gems Band演唱：3顆寶石戒指Video Production: Buddha WeeklySpecial Thanks: Our Patrons & Dharma Friends at patreon.com/BuddhaWeekly and BuddhaWeekly.com/Support特別感謝：patreon.com/BuddhaWeekly 和 BuddhaWeekly.com/Support 的贊助人和佛友

Stream “Námó Guān-shì-yīn Púsà 南無觀世音菩薩” on your favorite music streaming service.

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/na-mo-gua-n-shi-yi-n-pu-sa-single/1842514052

ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/5Env7gbRDuC0VCZxhZZ3C1

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