Shakyamuni Buddha Hall
This couplet expresses the ultimate truths of Buddhism. It expresses the “true thusness” or dharma-nature one realizes upon liberation from the cycle of birth and death, enlightenment of the mind, and seeing one’s original nature.
The first line of the couplet is “fa kong gui yuan ben wu xin xin wu ben yuan gui kong fa.” Its general meaning is as follows. The dharma leading to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation is a mind that is free from distinguishing particular forms, characteristics, or attributes. Thus, only by returning to “no-mind” can one attain such realization. Yet, one does not obtain anything from such realization. Having not obtained anything, there is no source. Hence, one understands that the mind has no source or origin. At this time, one realizes that the four great elements are all empty, and all forms, characteristics, and attributes return to the dharma of emptiness.
The second line of the couplet is “xing ji zhen lai ru tuo fo fo tuo ru lai zhen ji xing.” Its general meaning is as follows.Only when one realizes the emptiness of original nature and the perfect stillness of the mind when the flames of affliction are extinguished, is one able to attain the state of absolute truth attained by Amitabha Buddha. Only the Buddhas have realized authentic stillness of mind, which is the most perfect state of stillness of mind. This is called the state of a dharmakaya Buddha.
This couplet is extremely profound and wonderful. It directly points to the absolute truths of the Buddha-dharma. Its symmetry, parallelism, and wording are flawless. Moreover, the text of either line of the couplet will be the exact same whether the Chinese characters are read from top to bottom or from bottom to top. The same is true for the couplet written in smaller Chinese characters that is beside this main couplet. Both couplets are exquisitely written.
Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara) is well known for Her great compassion and loving kindness to save those in times of pain and difficulty. In fact, She attained Buddhahood countless eons ago and is known as Zheng Fa Ming Ru Lai, Correct Dharma Realization Tathagata. Because of Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva’s bodhicitta and holy vows, She manifests a thousand arms and eyes to save the suffering multitudes of beings in the earthly realm.
(Couplet on the holy shrine of Skanda Bodhisattva)
“xian san zhou gan ying ding huan yu“
“you liu dao you qing zhen qian kun”
The first line of the couplet is “xian san zhou gan ying ding huan yu.” Its basic meaning is as follows. Skanda Bodhisattva is a great dharma protecting Bodhisattva who is constantly with us. He protects all sentient beings in the entire universe. Through meditation, he looks over the entire uni-verse.
The second line of the couplet is “you liu dao you qing zhen qian kun.” Skanda Bodhisattva has great compas-sion. He compassionately blesses and protects all living beings whose lives are in correspondence with the dharma.
He comes and goes day and night as he supernaturally observes what happens on earth. He often uses his samadhi powers to stabilize all things in the universe.