The Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha, or “The Display from the Basket of Qualities,” stands among one of the most revered texts of Sanskrit Nepalese Buddhism. This beautiful manuscript, housed at the Nagarjuna Institute of Buddhist Studies (NIBS), narrates the transformative journey of Avalokiteśvara, pictured in the form of Karuṇāmaya, “The Embodiment of Compassion,” a manifestation unique to Nepal.
The Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha shows through a resourceful narration the great virtues of Avalokiteśvara. The bodhisattva, worshipped as a supreme deity in Nepal, takes on various shapes to instruct the different classes of beings: appearing as a bee in Varanasi to “buzz” the refuge prayer to insects, becoming an asura to teach the demon-like asuras, descending into the lowest hell of Avici to alleviate the suffering of hell-beings, raining ambrosia upon hungry ghosts, and even transforming into a celestial horse to rescue shipwrecked merchants from a demon-infested island. Each transformation reflects Avalokiteśvara’s boundless compassion, molding his appearance to address the unique needs of each being who calls upon him.
While based on the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra—the source text for the well-known six-syllable mantra oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ—the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha also incorporates additional verses from Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra and includes descriptions of the Poṣadha vrata, a vow associated with Avalokiteśvara’s form of Amoghapāśa. Some scholars believe the text was written in Nepal in the 15th century, illustrating Avalokiteśvara’s powers as a supreme being or “lord of the world”, which echo some of the qualities of deities like Śiva and Viṣṇu, showing the bodhisattva as a wish-fulfilling jewel for all who seek his guidance. Traditionally, the text is believed to be buddhavacana, the words of the Buddha.
The essence of the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha is Avalokiteśvara’s selfless capacity to assume countless forms, all born of his profound realization of emptiness and compassion for all beings, including Hindu deities. This manuscript, with its intricate beauty and profound message, serves as a reminder of the path of wisdom and kindness that Avalokiteśvara embodies. Through Avalokiteśvara’s story, the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha reveals a timeless message: the power of compassion to transform suffering and bring beings closer to enlightenment.
Our collaboration with NIBS aims to preserve significant Buddhist texts like the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha, honoring their vital role in the spiritual and cultural identity of Nepal. ALL and NIBS have recently focused on preserving the rich collection of dhāraṇīs, (spells and mmemonic devices) and the revered set of nine sutras or “Nava Dharmas” that conform a sort of Nepalese Sanskrit Mahāyāna canon. Through these efforts, we hope to keep this heritage alive and accessible, ensuring that the compassion embodied in Avalokiteśvara’s transformative tales continues to inspire for generations to come.
Watch Pushpa Vajracarya reciting the opening verses of the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūha at NIBS
