we-love-society.com

A beloved goddess who often graces the altars of Chinese temples, Kuan Yin (also: Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Guan Yin) considered to be the goddess of mercy . Buddhism’s stories tells the story of Kuan Yin as a bodhisattva (enlightened being) who had earned the right to enter paradise, but returned to earth to ease the suffering of man. Forsaking her gift of eternal bliss , Kuan Yin assumed the role of compassionate protector of man. It’s believed that Kuan Yin originated as a male archetype patterned after Avalokiteshvara whose story is identical.

The image of Quan Yin as a woman started around the 12th century . Many scholars believe this is the influence of the Lotus Sutra which suggested that Avalokiteshvara was a shape shifter who could take on any guise required to end suffering and anguish. He also possessed the power to grant children to couples. These factors likely resulted in the depiction of Kuan Yin as a “mother goddess.” The depiction of the goddess as a female is further influenced by her role as a patron of women, nurturer and one who can end suffering. Chinese Buddhists fully embraced this concept of the female Kuan Yin, though some cultures view Kuan Yin as a man, both man and woman , or simply a spiritual being.

Kwan Yin is known by many different names . From “the great mercy, great pity” to “salvation from anguish” to “thousand arms and thousand eyes” they names to describe her deep compassion are endless. She is also known as one of the Three Great Beings influence the realm of nature and beast. Chinese Kuan Yin statues and sculptures portray the mother goddess as the pinnacle of beauty in white flowing robes. She is usually seen with a white hood over her head and carrying a vase of “holy dew.” Other popular portrayals include statues of Kuan Yin holding a child, Kuan Yin standing on dragon or Quan Yin clutching a rosary.

Her popularity has increased over the centuries and she is viewed as a protector of sailors, farmers and those who travel . Especially popular in South China, she is worshipped at temples with the belief that she has the power to grant a family a son or beautiful daughter . She is viewed as a standard of beauty in the Chinese culture and it is considered a great complement to describe a young girl as a “Kuan Yin.”

Like Buddhists, Taoists also incorporated Kuan Yin into their religion. Additionally, some modern new age movements have included Kuan Yin in their teachings. As compassionate, female religious icons, Kuan Yin and the Virgin Mary have many similarities. During the Edo period in Japan when Christianity was outlawed, many Christians worshipped the Virgin Mary in the guise of Kuan Yin statuary . She continues to be a popular figure around the world as a symbol of compassion and caring.