wonderful affi nity with many of the Spiritual beings of China. T e Dragon is also Kuan Yin’s ally in the Goddess’s quest to help beings. T e Dragon is of course an ancient symbol associated with spiritual beings and symbolizes wisdom, strength and divine powers of transformation.
Buddha with a fellow Bodhisattva, and they are referred to as the three deities of the Western Paradise. Kuan Yin sometimes also appears alongside two other bodhisattvas, Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Kuan Yin is also sometimes shown with two young assistants known as Dragon Lady and San Cai. Devotees pray to Kuan Yin for help
seeming helplessness of her quest, the Goddess despaired, wondering how she could ever save them all, and in that moment, her head split into a thousand pieces. Seeing her utter despair that had caused her head to split apart, Amitabha Buddha immediately gave her eleven heads and transformed the thousand pieces into a thousand hands in order to multiply further her ability to save suff ering mankind. Since then, Kuan Yin has also been shown as the thousand-armed Bodhisattva with eyes on each hand! In this aspect, she is called “the thousand-arms, thousand- eyes” Bodhisattva, and appearing thus, she represents the omniscient mother, looking in all directions simultaneously, sensing the affl ictions of humanity and extending her many arms to alleviate their suff ering.
Kuan Yin Standing on a Dragon Kuan Yin is also known as patron Bodhisattva of Putuo Mountain of the Southern Seas of China, in which manifestation she is worshipped by sailors and fi shermen and all who sail the oceans in search of trade routes and fishing grounds. The fishermen regard her as their patron saint, as do sailors who call on her help each time storms and hurricanes hit them. In this manifestation, Kuan Yin is usually depicted crossing the seas seated or standing on a lotus, or on the head of a Water Dragon. T e Dragon is China’s most revered celestial creature, and the Dragon enjoys
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in times of crisis, although many simply honour her and have an image of her in their homes out of devotion and respect. While Kuan Yin reaches out to help all living beings, her ultimate aim is to guide them towards enlightenment without pre-conditions or attachments. Usually, people who pray to Kuan Yin exhibit wonderful attributes of kindness and compassion. T e most popular times to visit
Kuan Yin Holding a Baby Kuan Yin holding a baby is her manifestation as the patron saint of mothers. T ose wanting children and praying to her are usually successful in getting their wish granted, and such children are said to be “fostered” to Kuan Yin and usually lead charmed lives. Such children often grow up fi lial, bringing honour to the family. T is manifestation of Kuan Yin is popularly known as the “Kuan Yin Gives Child” (送子觀音). Anyone who wishes to conceive a baby can thus pray to her in this manifestation to have their wish granted. Kuan Yin has manifested into many different forms. In the novel Journey to the West, Kuan Yin was the mentor to the Monkey God, described as protecting the pilgrim Monk while on his quest to collect scriptures from India. Kuan Yin appears by the side of Amitabha
Kuan Yin temples are the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, and also three special dates associated with Kuan Yin’s birth (19th day of 2nd lunar month), (19th day of 6th lunar month) enlightenment and renunciation (19th day of 9th lunar month). Devotees become vegetarian for at least one day on these special days as an act of devotion and compassion. Kuan Yin devotees also swear off eating beef their entire life. T e main pilgrimage site for Kuan Yin is the Putuo Island in Zhejiang Province, China, a few hours drive from Shanghai. One of the most famous souvenirs on Putuo Island is a pastry known as the Kuan Yin pastry (观音饼) inspired by a miracle associated with the Goddess. In Kek Lok Si, Penang, there is a tall standing bronze Kuan Yin inside a pavilion and many who come to worship at this temple speak of having their prayers answered. Meanwhile, Hainan Island in China has the world’s tallest Kuan Yin statue which stands at 108 meters tall. Today, there are thousands of Kuan Yin temples that have been built in China and Asia, and millions of homes have altars devoted to Kuan Yin. T ere are countless charities founded in her name and statues constructed in her honour.
NOVEMBER 2015 | FENGSHUIWORLD 47
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