KUAN YIN “One is meant to forgive, to forgive and be compassionate.” —Hope Bradford, Oracle of Compassion: The Living Word of Kuan Yin

HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY The most revered goddess in the Chinese pantheon, Kuan Yin is sometimes thought of as the female equivalent of the Buddha. Her name is spelled various ways, including Quan Yin, Guanyin, and Kannon. However, not only the Chinese honor this beloved deity and bodhisattva—she holds a place of power and respect throughout Eastern Asia and is sacred in Taoism as well as Buddhism. Kuan means “earth” and yin refers to the feminine life force.

Mythology tells us that this merciful goddess heard the cries of humanity and, instead of entering heaven, she returned to earth. Here she will remain until all sentient beings have become enlightened, free from the cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation.

Many legends surround the goddess. One says Kuan Yin emerged from a pure white ray of light emanating from the eye of the Amitabha Buddha. According to another, a Chinese princess and Buddhist saint named Miao Shan, who lived about 700 B.C.E., was the embodiment of Kuan Yin. She wished to alleviate suffering due to illness, old age, and death, so instead of marrying, she became a nun. For nine years she lived on the sacred island P’u-t’o Shan where she rescued and healed shipwrecked mariners. Even today, she remains the patroness of seafarers. P’u-t’o became a holy destination for Kuan Yin’s worshippers. Many temples, shrines, and monasteries exist there, where pilgrims claim to have seen miracles and visions of the goddess.

VIRTUES The goddess of mercy and compassion, Kuan Yin upends a bottle or vase that contains the water of life, pouring it onto the earth to purify and heal all who abide here. Usually she wears a white robe and either sits on or holds a white lotus, representing purity. Sometimes she’s depicted with a sheaf of rice or willow branch dripping nectar to show that she brings sustenance to the world. In some images she holds the pearls of illumination, signifying her enlightenment and all-encompassing peace. She’s also portrayed riding a dolphin, a symbol of intuition, protection, and feminine power, or with a dragon, which represents wisdom and the primal creative force in the universe.

MANIFESTING HER POWER Kuan Yin offers peace and blessings to all who call on her, especially women and children. The goddess of limitless mercy, she encourages you to nurture loving-kindness and compassion within you. She can help you become more gentle, patient, and forgiving toward yourself and others. When you feel yourself growing hard or judgmental, meditate on her example as you chant the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum to open your heart. If an illness or disability is troubling you, ask Kuan Yin to ease your suffering or help you bear it with poise. Set a small statue of her in a place of honor and light a stick of incense to invite her spirit into the figurine. You can also float a white lotus blossom in a bowl of water as a gift to the goddess. Hail The Goddess Of Compassion, Blessed Be Quan Yin ~RavenwinD~ 🌛🌕🌜