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The vernal equinox, that occurs this year on March 20th, is a time in the earth's annual cycle when the length of the day and night are the same. As darkness is dispelled, the deeply rooted concept of the sacrifice of a resurrected deity is celebrated in many religions and cultural myths to honor the return of spring. The Christians celebrate Easter and the Jews, Purim. In ancient Greece the Eleusinian Mystery ritual enacted the return of Persephone from the underworld. In old Egypt, Osiris came back to life. In Buddhism, Guanyin meaning "Observing the Cries of the World" was an enlightened Bodhisattva who sacrificed immortality to bring mercy and compassion to humanity.
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Guan Yin
Chinese Goddess Of Compassion
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“In the lands of the universe there is no place
Where she does not manifest herself...
Compassion wondrous as a great cloud,
Pouring spiritual rain like nectar,
Quenching the flames of distress!"
The Lotus Sutra
From India to China then Japan
I have graced many lands
With Buddha as my prince
I am worshipped in statutes of silence
Amber, Pearl, Jade and Bone
The lotus blossom is my throne
Rooted in dark waters of life's misery
Grows a virgin heart, Mother of Mercy
Illumination to the blind
My robes shield humankind
To save souls from suffering
I walk the earth
Sacrificing eternal bliss
Promised to Immortals in the jeweled forest.
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