Community Altar for February 2021

This month’s community altar features Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is known as “she who hears the cries of the people”. She provides healing, hope, and comfort to all who are afflicted with pain, sorrow, and grief. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing after more than a year, Kuan Yin’s blessings are something we all need in our lives.

We can pray to Kuan Yin for comfort and healing. (“Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa” means “I hail to the Bodhisattva who listens to the sound of the world.”)

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa
Kuan Yin, I cry to You in weariness; grant me rest.

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa
Kuan Yin, I cry to You in pain; grant me release.

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa
Kuan Yin, I cry to You in grief; grant me peace.

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa
Kuan Yin, I cry to You in sorrow; grant me hope.

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa
Compassionate Mother, You who hear all the cries of your people,
I thank You for Your gift of rest.
I thank You for Your gift of release.
I thank You for Your gift of peace.
I thank you for your gift of hope.

Namo Kuan-Shi-Yin Pusa

The center candle is part of the Kuan Yin statue, representing Her compassion and care for the people of the world.

The small white votive holder with blackwork is the candle for the Ancestors.

The tall white candle at the back is inscribed with runes for healing the community, and the individuals in it.

The four short candles represent the four directions.

The small blue bowl in the back contains an offering of water, and the horn bowl and spoon in the front contain an offering of salt.

The crystal ball represents clear vision, so we can see our way forward to a more healthy, fair, and just society.

The two silver charms are a money bag, invoking prosperity, and an elephant, invoking wisdom.

The round wooden box is a wish box, which holds a note to the Universe with wishes for the community to prosper in good health and abundance for all.

[Image description: A clear glass vase with white Peruvian Lily flowers stands to the right of the photo. A statue of Kuan Yin is in the center, which holds a lit green candle. There is a tall white candle at the back, and four smaller candles around the edges. At the front are two small silver charms—a money bag and an elephant. There is a small wooden box with a gold leaf moon and two stars on the right, a small bowl and spoon carved from horn near it. A light blue crystal ball on a silver stand is at the left, and a blue glass offering bowl at the back.]