Kwan Yin
(also spelled Kuan
Yin
or Quan Yin),
is known as the Goddess of Compassion, and she is one of the most popular
deities in all of Asia. Her name in Chinese roughly translates to
"The One who Hears the Cries of the World". Many believe that she is the
female representation of Avalokitesvara, who is the Tibetan and Nepalese God of
Compassion. As a
bodhisattva, she has
chosen to put off her complete unexcelled, perfect enlightenment for the benefit
of beings everywhere, and she will wait as long as there is one being who is not
enlightened.
This tall statue of Kwan Yin is holding a vase of nectar which she is pouring
out. The vase represents wisdom
quenching the thirst of ignorance. The nectar also represents the relieving of
suffering since nectar is the food of hungry ghosts. Her other hand is in
the abhaya mudra, the gesture of discussion and debate which indicates
communication and the explanation of the Dharma. The tip of the thumb and
index finger touch, this being the gesture of great compassion.
The base is a collection of lotus buds arranged all around her. The sturdy base
and the overall weight of the sculpture makes it perfect for the outdoors. A
beautiful representation of Kwan Yin the goddess of compassion!
