Q: Some Buddhists like to cast lots, e.g. at Guanyin temples. Are these lots’ words from Guanyin Bodhisattva?
A: There are a few divination systems worldwide ‘associated’ to Guanyin Pusa. They are not Guanyin Pusa’s words per se, but out of great faith that Guanyin Pusa will always find means to help people in need, compassionate Buddhist practitioners probably came up with the divination systems.
Q: How do they relate to Buddhist practice?
A: If the systems are associated with Guanyin Pusa, the lots should essentially urge devotees to do good. It is interesting to note that many devotees find advice from such lots relevant. This is not entirely unbelievable that they can be relevant as sincere mindfulness of the enlightened can elicit proper responses. Divination systems can be a means through which this happens. Though this is surely not the best or only way to learn the Dharma, it can perhaps be seen as a skilful means at least, for nominal Buddhists, that inspires some faith in the Dharma. Beyond this, the Dharma should always be learnt (and practised) systematically too. And one should not be attached to use of any divination system, instead of increasing one’s own wisdom.