{ A popular idol in Chinese temples, the goddess Kuan Yin (also: Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Guan Yin) thought of as the goddess of mercy. Buddhist lore tells the story of Kuan Yin as 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 . Rather than accepting her gift of never-ending happiness, she instead assumed the role of compassionate protector of man. It's believed that Kuan Yin originated as a male archetype patterned after Avalokiteshvara whose story is identical.
The image of Quan Yin as a woman started around the 12th century . Many scholars believe this is the influence of the Lotus Sutra which suggested that 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 . Chinese Buddhists fully embraced this concept of the female Kuan Yin, though some cultures believe Kuan Yin to be both a man and a woman, or simply a spiritual being.
Kwan Yin is known by many different 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 .Chinese Kuan Yin sculptures 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, Kuan Yin standing on dragon or Quan Yin 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, her blessings are believed to grant a child to a hopeful husband-and-wife. in Chinese culture she is a paragon of beauty and those wishing to pay compliment to the parents of a young girl might refer to her as a "Kuan Yin."
Like Buddhists, Taoists also introduced 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. She continues to be a popular figure around the world as a symbol of compassion and caring.}
