Kanshoji

Often represented with a thousand eyes and a thousand arms, Kannon is the bodhisattva of compassion. A bodhisattva is an awakened being who helps the others awaken.

Kannon is the most widely worshipped bodhisattva in Buddhism. He is the one who hears the sounds of the world (Kan : to hear, On : the sound), who hears and sees the sufferings of human beings.

If Zen insists on rigour in the practice, it does so to allow us to attain liberation and a mind that is truly receptive. In this way we become open to others and to compassion in a world which needs it so much.

The Monastery of Kanshoji is dedicated to inviting people to see with the help of Kannon's light, to attain a lucid and receptive mind. Hence its name, Kan : Kannon, sho : light, ji : monastery.

Sutra of the Four Vows
of the Bodhisattva

Beings are innumerable;
I vow to save them all.

Attachments are inexhaustible;
I vow to end them all.

Dharmas are immeasurable;
I vow to master them all.

The Buddha Way is incomparable;
I vow to attain it.