Like the Mother Mary from the East, Guan Yin has captured the imagination, trust and faith of many Westerners. Stories about Mother Guan Yin touching the lives of many who are not even Buddhists show the universal appeal she carries. She truly is the Universal Mother Without Borders.
Avalokitesvara, also known as Guan Yin (Chinese), Kannon (Japanese), Chenrezig (Tibetan), or Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most renowned and popular bodhisattvas in East Asian Buddhism, particularly Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism.
Guan Yin is the paragon of benevolence, epitome of magnanimous grace, and the embodiment of greatest compassion. She is a testament to the paramount importance of love, kindness, and compassion in the teaching of Buddhism.
Guan Yin is revered by millions of people around the world. In China, there is a famous saying: 家家阿弥陀佛、户户观世音 Everybody knows how to chant Amitofuo, Every household worships Guan Yin. Amitofuo is Amitabha Buddha, who is the teacher of Guan Yin and leader of Pure Land. This saying describes how widely Guan Yin is revered by the Chinese as the patron saint who "hears the cries and suffering" of humanity. There are countless miracle stories associated to Guan Yin as the saint who answered the prayers of many who prayed for her help. She is particularly known as the savior for fishermen who became stranded at sea, and for answering the prayers of women who wish to have a child.
In the Lotus Sutra, it has been described that Guan Yin can manifest in different forms to help the person in need unconditionally, without any distinction of whether the person is good or bad. This greatest compassion of Guan Yin has found a place in the hearts of many around the world, regardless of their religion, race, gender and culture. Like the Mother Mary from the East, Guan Yin has captured the imagination, trust and faith of many Westerners. Stories about Mother Guan Yin touching the lives of many who are not even Buddhists show the universal appeal she carries. She truly is the Universal Mother Without Borders.
The original manifestation of Guan Yin as Avalokitesvara was in male form. When Guan Yin became popular during China's Tang Dynasty, she manifested in the female form and has been known as such ever since. As the savior and protector of sentient beings, she is a perfect example of the balance in masculine and feminine qualities. Her gender fluidity demonstrates the ability to transcend gender and further illuminates her highest wisdom as revealed in the Heart Sutra - "All forms are Empty." Guan Yin would manifest in any form that could liberate someone from harm or suffering. She is truly a gender/form non-conforming, fearless and compassionate universal servant for all humanity.