Two Precious Scroll Narratives of Guanyin and Her ... - Khamkoo

The Precious Scroll of Incense Mountain, Part 1 75
walk on pathways paved with red agate and white jade, interspersed
with the seven precious stones, and covered with brocade embroidery;
we sit on cushions embroidered with crouching lions, sleeping
elephants, and coiling dragons of maṅi, sandalwood, and pearls; we
sleep on dragon beds of eaglewood and gold foil, inlaid with ivory
and rhinoceros horn, inside brocade bed-curtains with paradisiacal
flowers made of the eight treasures. The jewelry on our heads consists
entirely of curving dragons and flying phoenixes and strings
made of a hundred precious stones. The garments we wear are all
the most marvelous beautiful gowns covered with the seven jewels,
and the mandarin ducks woven into the brocade dazzle the sun as
they compete in brilliance. What we eat are the hundred delicacies
and the most exquisite dishes, ghee and superior food. We are entertained
by a thousand kinds of instrumental music, and when we
move about we travel in sedan chairs and are followed by an escort.
Every day we are treated to five banquets. We surpass the divine immortals
of the eight grottoes. In high heaven, I’ve heard, the Tuṡita
Palace is the best, 57 but here on earth nothing outdoes the dwelling
place of our father the emperor. The three of us enjoy such glory
and splendor, wealth and status, so what more do you want? If
only you hadn’t brought this down on you yourself. You had to
learn the hard way the hardship you have to suffer today! You crazy
hussy, what kind of ghost have you seen? Be a darling and return
to the palace, so your father and mother will not be worried any
more.’’ When the princess heard these words, she promptly replied.
The bamboo’s shade moves across the steps, but the dust is not
moved,
The moon shines down to the well’s bottom, but no ripple on the
water.
Namo Guanshiyin pusa
Marvelous Goodness, palms pressed together, replied:
‘‘Deluded, my heart still longs to stay here in the garden.
Joy the cause, hardship the fruit—then all people rejoice,
Hardship the cause, joy the fruit—none wants to hear that.
There’s a road that leads to heaven, but none do walk it,
Earth’s prison may have no gate, yet people flock there.
If you want to marry a prince consort, do as you please,
And don’t worry about me, this totally crazy low-caste!