Asia Antiques

How Kwan Yin Transitioned From God To Goddess

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 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 , 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 which suggested that Avalokiteshvara could take any form required to end anguish and suffering. It was also believed that he possessed the ability to grant children . 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 view Kuan Yin as both a man and a 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 who possess powers over nature and the animals .

Kuan Yin statues and sculptures in China 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, 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 . 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 . in Chinese culture she is a paragon of beauty 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. She is worshipped in the same manner and her various incarnations and disposition as the embodiment of compassionate are the same. Many have drawn a comparison between the Virgin Mary and Kuan Yin who share a common symbolism as compassionate souls . During a time in Japanese history when Christianity was for bid in, Japanese Christians used Quan Yin as a stand-in for the Virgin Mary. Kwan Yin continues to be a popular religious icon around the world and a symbol for caring and compassion
About the Author

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.

Kuan Yin Statues, Quan Yin Sculptures, Kwan Yin Figurines