Dhammic Life

When Cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy Delta on 02/05/2008, all 47 year old Daw Myue Kyig brought with her was this picture of Buddha. "Buddha saved us," she says. Daw's daughter, Thanda gave birth to a baby girl on the day of the storm. "Even in this chaos, my daughter was blessed with a baby It was Buddha's blessings that we are still alive, he will see us through this too." Daw lives alongside other refugees from the 7th ward, Hlaingthaya township in Rangoon (Yangon), in the Shwe Than Lwin shopping complex, which is under construction and has acted as a small refugee centre.


22 year old Thanda with her newborn baby that was born with no medical assistance during Cyclone Nargis, which hit the Irrawaddy Delta on 02/05/2008. She now shelters alongside other refugees from the 7th ward, Hlaingthaya township in Rangoon (Yangon), in the Shwe Than Lwin shopping complex, which is under construction and has acted as a small refugee centre. Her new born baby is popularly known as Nargis baby, though her real name is Nan Watyi.

Each time you recite the verses of praise below, try to grow the mentioned qualities in you. A renowned Buddhist nun, Master Chen Yen of Tzu Chi Organisation said Kuan Yin should not remain as a divine or historical figure but should be our role model.

In other words, each of us who really respect Kuan Yin should be like her, having all her great qualities. One phrase summarises her qualities : Have Great Love For All Beings.

南無觀世音菩薩
Ná Mó Guān Shì Yīn Pú Sà
Homage to the One Who Hears The Cries Of The World
(Be a good listener)

Ná Mó Qiān Shǒu Qiān Yǎn Guān Shì Yīn Pú Sà
Homage to the One With Thousand Hands and Eyes Who Hears The Cries Of The World
(Be prepared to lend a helping hand and look into other’s problems)

南無大慈大悲觀世音菩薩
Ná Mó Dà Cí Dà Bēi Guān Shì Yīn Pú Sà
Homage to the One With Great Compassion And Great Loving Kindness Who Hears The Cries Of The World
(Act compassionately and have great loving kindness for all sentient beings)