Kanzeon Bosatsu – Avalokitesvara or Kannon Nachi Shrine Japan

The Path to Being More Compassionate
より思いやりのある人になるための道

The hike up the Daimon-zaka slope through the tall Japanese cedars, inspired me in a way I can’t describe. At one point I wanted to cry I was so happy. The sun was out and shinning through the trees and it was quiet and peaceful. It was a beautiful day.

As I continued up the path that leads to the Kumano Nachi Taisha, I came across a small shrine with a sculpture of Kanzeon Bosatsu, also known as Avalokitesvara or Kannon. Kannon is a Buddhist deity and a manifestation of the Buddha’s compassion. Inside I found placards with Japanese kanji written on them all around the statue. It was clean, simple and artfully done.

Now I know this is just a picture of a statue but what it represents or symbolizes is what is important to me. For those who don’t know, Kannon (観音), is know as the Goddess of mercy in Japanese. Kannon is also the Japanese name for the female bodhisattva of compassion and mercy.

The meaning of compassion is different for everyone but for me it’s about thinking of others over yourself. Having mercy for those who are suffering and doing what you can to help them get through their pain. In order to do this I think you need to be content with yourself first. If you’re constantly worried about your own well being, then how are you ever going to be compassionate towards others.

It could be as simple as helping someone reach something high that they can’t reach. Or taking care of someone when they’re ill or hurt. One thing is saying you’re compassionate and the other is actually practicing it. This is why I feel these statues are important. They remind us of our pledge to be better humans. To be better to one another. To help those who are in need. Not out of pity but out of the love for life. Empathy comes from genuine care and respect.

I hope my photography and words remind people of the magnificence of a life worth preserving. That evil ways will always be there and it is up to us to make the right choices. Decisions that lead us down paths that will help others find the right path themselves. Ways of thinking, such as, giving without expecting anything in return. Forgiving yourself for mistakes you’ve made and accept your flaws. Notice your thoughts and feelings without casting judgment on others.

I typed “Be more compassionate” into a Goole search and I was pleasantly surprised when their AI came back with this text:

“To be more compassionate, you can practice self-compassion and show compassion to others.

Self-compassion
Acknowledge your emotions: Notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Treat yourself with kindness: Forgive yourself for mistakes and accept your flaws.
Practice self-care: Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise.
Be mindful: Focus on the present moment and consider how others might feel in similar situations.
Be patient: Remind yourself that you did your best and can learn from your experiences.

Showing compassion to others
Be respectful: Listen carefully and without judgment.
Be encouraging: Offer to help someone with a task.
Be happy for others: Be happy for someone else’s success.
Express gratitude: Express appreciation and thankfulness.
Accept people: Accept people for who they are.
Forgive: Forgive people for making mistakes.”

Step back to see what’s inside.

Thank you Guanyin (Kannon-sama 観音, 観世音, 観自在) for enlightening me
Arigatō kan’onsama watashi o keihatsu shite kurete ありがとう観音様 私を啓発してくれて