She Who Hears the Voices
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Music: Le Livre Vermeil de Montserrat Lyrics: David Rounds
In Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra, Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva, the Awakened Being of Great Compassion appears with a thousand eyes, a thousand ears and a thousand hands to rescue beings from suffering. Guan Shi Yin in Chinese means “One Who Hears the Voices/Sounds/Cries of Beings in the World.” Guan Yin responds to those entreaties with whatever each being needs to resolve their troubles. David Rounds set these lyrics to a melody from a hymn to the Catholic Saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a 14th century Catalan oratorio Le Livre Vermeil de Montserrat.
She who hears the voices of the world Hears my voice.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who hears the cries of beings in prison Hears my cries.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who calms the fears of soldiers in battle Calms my fears.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who rescues beings from dangerous roads Rescues me.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who hears the prayers of homeless people Hears my prayers.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who grants the wish of childless couples Grants my wish.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who soothes the terrors of the dying Soothes my fears.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who knows the joy of peace and friendship Knows my joy.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who hears when beings call her name Hears my name.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva
She who hears the voices of the world Hears my song.
Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva.