The Evolution of Iconography Associated with the Great Compassion Mantra 

Co-sponsored with the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

The Great Compassion Mantra (大悲呪) is one of the most widely recited mantras in Chinese Buddhism, often accompanied by a set of eighty-four vibrant images. But where did these images come from? This talk traces the surprising origins of this popular illustrated tradition, arguing that the canonical texts believed to be its source were not original translations, but later compilations. By comparing the original Sanskrit with its Chinese transliteration, we’ll see how new, unofficial images were created and why they became so popular. We will then examine how later manuscripts helped build a sense of “canonical authority” around these illustrations. This study reveals a fascinating story of how a religious tradition evolved through a dynamic interplay between scripture, visual art, and the needs of its followers, ultimately making the mantra more accessible to a wider audience.