A ceremony at Ksitigarbha Temple in Lynnwood on Sunday honors the first day that Kuan Yin, a bodhisattva of compassion, decided to practice Buddhism.
Sunday’s ceremony at Ksitigarbha Temple in Lynnwood honored the first day that Kuan Yin, a bodhisattva of compassion, decided to practice Buddhism. As described by Ksitigarbha monk Thich Minh Thanh, Kuan Yin was a princess who wished to practice Buddhism out of her love of all sentient beings. Her father was against this and had her endure hardships, including 50 lashes, to discourage her. When she still wished to continue, he exiled Kuan Yin to a mountain where she continued to practice. One day, a couple passed by and upon seeing her in rags, offered her what they had: a silk scarf. Therefore, at the end of the ceremony, Buddhists offer up silk scarves to remember her compassion.