摩訶止觀 2.45

2.45

The six syllables are precisely the six Avalokiteśvaras, capable of destroying the three obstacles of the six destinies. Specifically: Great Compassion Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the hell destiny; the suffering of this destiny is heavy, so Great Compassion is appropriately used. Great Loving-kindness Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the hungry ghost destiny; this destiny suffers hunger and thirst, so Great Loving-kindness is appropriately used. Lion Fearlessness Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the animal destiny; the king of beasts is imposing and fierce, so fearlessness is appropriately used. Great Light Universal Illumination Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the asura destiny; this destiny is full of suspicion, jealousy, envy, and doubt, so universal illumination is especially appropriate. God-Human Hero Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the human destiny; the human destiny possesses both phenomena and principle—phenomenally subduing arrogance is called 'god-human,' and in principle seeing the Buddha-nature is called 'hero.' Great Brahmā Profound Avalokiteśvara destroys the three obstacles of the heavenly destiny; Brahmā is the lord of heaven, and designating the lord subsumes the ministers. Expanding the six Avalokiteśvaras, they are precisely the twenty-five samādhis: Great Compassion is the unstained samādhi; Great Loving-kindness is the mind-joy samādhi; Lion is the non-retrogression samādhi; Great Light is the joy samādhi; Hero is the four samādhis including the illusion-like samādhi; Great Brahmā is the seventeen samādhis including the immovable samādhi. One may understand this through one's own reflection (and so forth).