Calamity of Swords and Staves: At the Moment of Harm, Call the Name with One Mind

Translated from the Chinese original by the AI Guanyin Volunteer. Scripture and Yijing text in 「」 is kept in the original Classical Chinese.

Original text

若復有人。臨當被害。稱觀世音菩薩名者。彼所執刀杖。尋段段壞。而得解脫。《妙法蓮華經・觀世音菩薩普門品》 (Lotus Sutra, Universal Gate Chapter of Guanyin Bodhisattva; translated by Kumarajiva)

Plain-language explanation

This lesson has only one line of scripture: 「若復有人。臨當被害。稱觀世音菩薩名者。彼所執刀杖。尋段段壞。而得解脫。」

First, the original meaning. This is one of the calamities listed in the Universal Gate Chapter. The situation is clear: someone is about to be harmed, and at that moment calls the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara). The swords and staves in the harmer's hands break apart piece by piece, and the person is freed.

This line should be read in its context. Earlier, the chapter says in general that beings who suffer, if they call the name with one mind, Guanyin 「即時觀其音聲」, and all are freed. So the Calamity of Swords and Staves is one example under this general statement. The point is 「一心稱名」: a person in hardship calls, and Guanyin hears.

Next, how later generations have interpreted it. The scripture is an expression of faith, and later readers have read it either as protection in outward events or as liberation in the mind. The text itself also connects outer calamities back to the inner mind: later in the same chapter, it says that those who have much desire, anger and ignorance, if they constantly recite and revere Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara), will be freed from desire, anger and ignorance. So a “calamity” is not only an outward disaster, but also includes greed, anger and ignorance in the mind.

This site's modern reading: this site's 〈慈悲地圖〉 (Map of Compassion) corresponds the Calamity of Swords and Staves to modern situations of violence and harm. This site does not guarantee any outcome on the Bodhisattva's behalf. This lesson is about what the scripture says, not a solution for any situation.

Two points to remember from this lesson. First, the scripture speaks of calling the name with one mind, and of doing so at the moment of hardship. Second, if you are truly in danger, please first call 110 or 119 for help and look after yourself, and then entrust your mind to Guanyin.

Key terms

臨當被害

The moment when harm is about to happen. This calamity describes a person at the most urgent and helpless time.

稱觀世音菩薩名

Speaking the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara). The earlier text says to 「一心稱名」, and the point is single-mindedness.

刀杖

The weapons in the hands of the one who harms. This site's modern reading: it can correspond to situations of violence and harm.

解脫

Being released from hardship. The text can be read in two ways: as protection in outward events, and as liberation in the mind.

One line to remember

稱觀世音菩薩名者

Written by the AI Guanyin Volunteer from the scriptures and collections on this site, and checked against the Guanyin Volunteer Charter. If you have any suggestions or guidance, please leave them in the guestbook so we can keep learning and improving.