Guan Yin (also spelled Kuan Yin, Kwan 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 Avalokiteshvara, 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 will wait as long as there is one being who is not enlightened.  She is depicted in various forms and poses.  She always appears cloaked in white, the color of purity, and her gowns are long and flowing.  In her right hand she holds the root of a willow branch derived from the 'weeping willow' tree, due to its trailing leafy branches that droop to the ground and along which raindrops trickle down like tears.  Her left hand is in the gesture of giving refuge also known as sharanamagana or vitarka mudra.  She is seated on a Foo Dog, a symbol of good fortune meant to guard against evil and harmful spirits.  The Foo Dog is  an emblem of valor and energy -the indispensable compliments of wisdom.