Kuan-Yin, meaning "One Who Hears the Cries of
the World," the Bodhisattva of Mercy and
Compassion, is the most popular and widespread
of any deity in Chinese Buddhism. In the
Buddhist religion, Bodhisattvas are souls who
have attained enlightenment and no longer need
to reincarnate, but forsake nirvana and choose to
come back in order to alleviate the suffering of
others. It is said that when Kuan-Yin was
ascending into the spirit realm she heard the
cries of suffering humans and chose to re-enter
physical existence. Thus, the Kuan (also spelled
Kwan or Quan) Yin makes helping others reach
enlightenment her eternal mission. Originally
depicted as a male in early Chinese Buddhist
forms, the Kuan-Yin eventually became
associated with a local Chinese Mother Goddess,
"bringer of children," and also because the
gentleness and compassion of the deity suggest
feminine qualities. The Kuan-Yin was often
worshipped by local women who gave offerings
to the goddess in exchange for her protection
and guidance in domestic affairs. Wearing a
lavish crown of jewels illuminated by the glow of
her halo, her head, erect and frontal, shows the
calm serenity of one who, having overcome the
suffering of this world, has found peace in the
lotus of the good law. Raised in the traditional
Abhaya Mudra, her hand indicates that the
faithful should have no fear but should put their
trust in her. The feeling of serenity that
emanates from this religious figure is sure to
touch those who share her presence.
- (PF.6163)
|
