The Mouth of the Kami, the Ears of Kannon

What You Learn by Attaining Kannon’s Ears

To possess “Kannon’s ears” means to have ears that are not swayed or shaken by anything you hear—ears that remain undisturbed by selfish emotion. Your mindset affects your physical health. For example, when you find yourself constantly speaking ill of others (a "black-circle" behavior), listening with your own ego-driven ears may make you feel worse or even drag you into gossip. This means you're being drawn into negativity.

However, when you acquire Kannon’s ears, you naturally filter out everything except white-circle (altruistic) thoughts. You become more discerning of people’s spiritual levels and can choose words that lift them up.

An Example of Divine Speech

Suppose someone says, “That guy is an idiot.” With divine understanding, you might respond:

“Yes, that may be. But if he is truly beneath you in spirit, then why do you let it bother you? Instead, let’s speak words that care for his growth.”

This is what it means to speak with the mouth of the kami.

Responding to Anger with Compassion

If someone lashes out in anger, do you panic and ask, “What should I do?” That is your perspective. If you can prioritize the other person’s heart, you’ll be able to say, “That must have been hard for you. Thank you for enduring your training.”

When your ego flares up, take six seconds before reacting. Practice placing the other’s heart above your own. If your perspective is ego-centered, even “meaning” (思い) becomes “burden” (重い)—both pronounced omoi. Lighten your mind; remember, we are beings in training.

Learn compassion while still alive. Say “thank you” often. Nothing in life is ever wasted.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of ears would Kannon have?

• What kind of mouth would the kami use?

You’ve heard these teachings during your spiritual practices (gyō). They always say:

“We are always with you.”

Do not forget this. Continue forward with that in your heart:

“Remember—we are always together.”

This is because even your life itself is a gift from the divine.

Let us all strive to speak based on spiritual truth.

Living Each Day with the Kami and Kannon

Value others, do what you can with your own hands. True learning is found in what you can do from the divine and ancestral perspectives. Say “I’m heading out” each day, and remember: the kami and Kannon are always with you, just as they told you during your practices.

When you return home, say “I’m back”—and return not just to your house, but to the divine and to Kannon.

Every day is a miracle. Take care of your body. And tend to your soul as well. Soul-tending means ending your day with gratitude, receiving rest through sleep, and cleansing the weariness of your spirit in the spiritual world.

Kannon’s Technique: A Story

Long ago, there was a village headman (shōya) whose child passed away. He begged Kannon to bring the child back to life. Kannon said:

“Bring me chili peppers from a house that has never experienced the loss of a child. Then I will return your child.”

The headman went house to house, but found no home untouched by the loss of a child. For the first time, he understood the suffering that surrounded him.

This realization inspired him to dedicate himself to the service of his community.