First of all, Zhou, or Mantras, are not meant to be translated.
It is best it remains in the original Sanskrit language... when we
chant, we also no need to specially note its meaning. Most
importantly we chant sincerely, one mindedly, with an 'empty' mind
rather than an attached/wild mind.
Da Bei Zhou mostly consists of Bodhisattva names, there is no
special meaning. It is perceived by the Great Compassionate
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin) as a Universal Sound.
Benefits in Reciting and Holding The Great Compassion
Mantra
Excerpts from The Dharani Sutra
English translation by the Buddhist Text Translation Society,
Dharma Realm Buddhist University, USA
If humans and gods recite and hold the phrases of the Great
Compassion Mantra, then when they approach the end of life, all the
Buddhas of the ten directions will come to take them by the hand to
rebirth in whatever Buddhaland they wish, according to their
desire.
Should any living beings who recites and holds the spiritual mantra
of Great Compassion fall into the three evil paths, I vow not to
realise the right enlightenment. Should any living being who
recites and holds the spiritual mantra of Great Compassion not be
reborn in any Buddhaland, I vow not to realise the right
enlightenment. Should any living being who recites and holds the
spiritual mantra of Great Compassion not obtain unlimited samadhis
and eloquence, I vow not to realise the right enlightenment. Should
any living being who recites and holds the spiritual mantra of
Great Compassion not obtain the fruits of whatever is sought in
this very life, then he cannot have been making proper use of the
Dharani of the Great Compassion Heart.
People and gods who recite and hold the Great Compassion Mantra
will obtain fifteen kinds of good birth and will not suffer fifteen
kinds of bad death.
The bad deaths are:
1. They will not die of starvation or privation
2. They will not die from having been yoked, imprisoned, caned or
otherwise beaten
3. They will not die at the hands of hostile enemies
4. They will not be killed in military battle
5. They will not be killed by tigers, wolves, or other evil
beasts
6. They will not die from the venom of poisonous snakes, black
serpents, or scorpions
7. They will not drown or be burned to death
8. They will not be poisoned to death
9. They will not die as a result of sorcery
10. They will not die of madness or insanity
11. They will not be killed by landslides or falling trees
12. They will not die of nightmares sent by evil people
13. They will not be killed by deviant spirits or evil ghosts
14. They will not die of evil illnesses which bind the body
15. They will not commit suicide
Those who recite and hold the spiritual Mantra of Great Compassion
will not suffer any of these fifteen kinds of bad death and will
obtain the following fifteen kinds of good birth:
1. Their place of birth will always have a good king
2. They will always be born in a good country
3. They will always be born at a good time
4. They will always meet good friends
5. The organs of their body will always be complete
6. Their heart will be pure and full in the way
7. They will not violate the prohibitive precepts
8. Their family will be kind and harmonious
9. They will always have the necessary wealth and goods in
abundance
10. They will always obtain the respect and help of others
11. They riches will not be plundered
12. They will obtain everything they seek
13. Dragons, gods, and good spirits will always protect them
14. In the place where they are born they will see the Buddha and
hear the Dharma
15. They will awaken to the profound meaning of that Proper Dharma
which they hear.
Those who recite and hold the Great Compassion Mantra will obtain
these fifteen kinds of good birth. All gods and people should
constantly recite and hold it, without carelessness.
