2025年11月8日，農曆九月十九，是佛教重要的節日之一——觀世音菩薩出家日。這一天，位於中國浙江杭州的靈隱寺對信眾免費開放，而其附近的飛來峰景區則仍需購票參觀。此日吸引大量信徒與遊客前來朝拜與參禮，表達對觀世音菩薩的敬仰與祈福。

觀世音菩薩，又稱觀音菩薩或觀自在菩薩，是佛教中最廣為人知與信仰最深的菩薩之一。其主要象徵是慈悲與救苦救難，被視為大慈大悲、普度眾生的化身。在漢傳佛教中，觀音菩薩通常被描繪為手持淨瓶或楊柳枝，象徵灌溉人間苦難與消除災難；有時也被描繪為千手千眼，以顯示其救度眾生無所不及、無所不見的能力。觀音菩薩在民間信仰中極具親和力，許多人將她視為能夠聆聽祈求、化解危難的守護者。

關於觀音菩薩的出家原因，佛教經典中有多種傳說。其中較為流行的說法是，觀音菩薩本是一位菩薩願行者，因見世間眾生苦難深重，決心離開世俗生活，出家修行，以求達到究竟的智慧與慈悲，從而能夠隨時救助受苦眾生。其出家行為不僅是個人修行的開始，也是承擔救濟人世使命的象徵，強調菩薩以自身修行利益他人，將慈悲與智慧化為實際行動。

靈隱寺作為浙江著名佛教寺院，歷史悠久，香火鼎盛，是朝拜觀音菩薩的重要場所。每年的出家日，寺院都會舉行誦經、放生、祈福等活動，免費向信眾開放，以弘揚觀音菩薩的慈悲精神，提醒世人修心養德、關懷眾生。而飛來峰則以其古老的石刻佛像與自然風光吸引遊人，雖需購票，但同樣是信眾與遊客瞭解佛教文化、參禮朝拜的重要景點。

總體而言，觀世音菩薩出家日不僅紀念菩薩的修行與慈悲，更是佛教信眾反思自我、行善積德、祈求平安的重要日子。透過參與這一天的宗教活動，信眾可以感受觀音菩薩無私救苦的精神，並將慈悲與善行融入日常生活。

On November 8, 2025, which corresponds to the nineteenth day of the ninth lunar month, Buddhists observed an important day known as Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Ordination Day. On this occasion, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, opened its doors to visitors for free, while the nearby Feilai Peak required regular admission. The day attracted large numbers of devotees and tourists who came to pay respects, offer prayers, and celebrate the virtues of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Guanyin Bodhisattva, also known as Avalokiteshvara or Guanzizai, is one of the most widely revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism. She embodies infinite compassion and the mission to relieve suffering, often regarded as a protector who listens to prayers and delivers aid to those in distress. In Chinese Buddhist iconography, Guanyin is frequently depicted holding a vase of pure water or a willow branch, symbolizing the alleviation of suffering and the purification of misfortune. In some depictions, she appears with a thousand hands and eyes, representing her ability to perceive and assist all beings in need. Among laypeople, Guanyin is cherished as an approachable and merciful figure capable of responding to prayers and protecting followers.

Regarding the reason for her ordination, Buddhist traditions recount that Guanyin Bodhisattva chose to leave worldly life after witnessing the deep suffering of sentient beings. By renouncing worldly attachments and ordaining as a monastic, she sought to attain ultimate wisdom and compassion, enabling her to aid all beings effectively. Her ordination symbolizes not only a personal spiritual journey but also a commitment to the altruistic mission of saving others, reflecting the core Buddhist ideal of using one’s own cultivation to benefit the world.

Lingyin Temple, a historic and prominent Buddhist temple in Zhejiang, serves as a major site for devotees to honor Guanyin. On her ordination day, the temple conducts rituals such as scripture recitations, life-release ceremonies, and blessing ceremonies, welcoming devotees freely to promote the spirit of compassion and remind people to cultivate virtue and care for others. Feilai Peak, famous for its ancient stone-carved Buddha statues and natural scenery, remains a ticketed site but is equally significant for visitors seeking to experience Buddhist culture and pay homage.

Overall, Guanyin Bodhisattva’s Ordination Day commemorates her spiritual journey and boundless compassion. For practitioners, it is an occasion to reflect on one’s own conduct, engage in virtuous deeds, and pray for peace and well-being. Participating in the day’s ceremonies allows devotees to internalize the Bodhisattva’s spirit of mercy and integrate compassion and kindness into daily life.