Nilakantha Dharani (Sanskrit) - Great Compassion Mantra 大悲咒

The Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāranī (नीलकण्ठ धारनी) also known as Mahā Karuṇā Dhāranī (महा करुणा धारनी), popularly known as the Great Compassion Mantra in English, and known as the Dàbēi Zhòu (大悲咒) in Mandarin Chinese, is a dharani of Mahayana Buddhist origin. It was spoken by the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara before an assembly of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, devas and kings, according to the Mahakarunikacitta Sutra. Like the now popular six-syllable mantra, it is a popular mantra synonymous with Avalokitesvara in East Asia. It is often used for protection or purification. This version of Great Compassion Mantra is actually the Rol-pahi rdorje’s reconstruction (STP. ) of the Nīlankanthaka as transcribed by Chih-t’ung during 627-649 (T. 1057b, Nj. 318) and it is l