法苑珠林 65.40

65.40

Now, the bestowing of the vast power of compassion and the supplications for seeking blessings and relieving misfortunes elicit sympathetic resonance when sincerity reaches its utmost; this is the same with all the sages. Yet the Great Being Avalokiteśvara is uniquely renowned for gathering and hearing [such prayers]. Therefore, when cast into fire, there is a body that would surely be crushed; when drifting at sea, there is a life that could not possibly survive. But if in the span of an instant one turns one's thought to take refuge [in him], then the vast ocean can be dried up, and blazing fire turns into a refreshing coolness. Or when facing a blade against the neck, the bright sword does not harm; or falling into a deep pit, the entire body suffers no injury; or when fettered and bound by cangues and manacles, they untie from the bodily form. Such benefits received are fully mirrored [in the teachings] and hard to exhaust. If one acts with earnest sincerity and self-restraint, one will surely evoke spiritual signs; if one is frivolous and indolent, difficult perils cannot be averted.