Kuan Yin: Mother Goddess of Buddhism
A popular idol in Chinese temples, the goddess Kuan Yin (also: Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Guan Yin) is considered to be the goddess of mercy . Buddhism’s stories suggests she was a bodhisattva (enlightened being) who renounced her right to enter through the Gates of Paradise, when the cries of anguish from those suffering on Earth prompted her to return . Forsaking her gift of eternal bliss , she instead assumed the role of compassionate protector of man. Kuan Yin was initially depicted as a man, an Indian bodhisattva very similar to Avalokiteshvara whose story is identical.
somewhere around the 12th century we begin to see art and scriptures that depict Kwan Yin as a goddess. Many scholars believe this is the influence of the Lotus Sutra as it suggests 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. This very likely caused artists of the time to depict the bodhisattva as a “mother goddess.” Her role as patron of women and bringer of comfort to the sick and suffering, further solidified the female imagery. This female representation became the popular notion in China , though some cultures believe Kuan Yin to be both a man and a woman, or as a being who transcends gender.
This Buddhist mother goddess is known by many names. She is “salvation from misery… the great mercy, great pity… salvation from anguish… thousand arms and thousand eyes.” Along with Manjusri and Samatabhadra she is one of the Three Great Beings who possess powers over nature and the animals .
Kuan Yin statues and sculptures in China most often depict the goddess as a beautiful woman 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, standing on dragon or clutching a rosary.
Her popularity has increased over the centuries and she is viewed as a protector of sailors, farmers and those who travel . She is most revered in southern China where her blessings are believed to grant a child to a hopeful husband-and-wife. She is viewed as a standard of beauty in the Chinese culture and those wishing to pay compliment to the parents of a young girl might refer to her as a “Kuan Yin.”
Taoists have 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.
Kellog Vanderhague enjoys yoga, meditation and tantic sex with an able-bodied partner. His current favorite project is the renovation of his downtown loft. In his online shopping expeditions he has discovered statues of Buddha at great prices from Big Buddha Statue. The antique red Buddha statues are the perfect complement to his colorscheme.
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