Kuan Yin is a celestial Bodhisattva (Pu-sa), the female emanation of Avalokitesvara, regarded by many in Asia as the “goddess of compassion”. While some may see her as a cosmic being who exists above our everyday reality, Kuan Yin actually represents the universal capacity of human beings to give love. Kuan Yin is not an external being, but rather an interior state of being anyone can realize.
Barbara E. Reed, who teaches in the Religion Department and Asian Studies Program at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, does an excellent job of summing up the significance of this bodhisattva at the beginning of her essay entitled “The Gender Symbolism of Kuan-yin Bodhisattva”:
Somehow during the assimilation into Chinese culture Kuan-yin Bodhisattva underwent a sexual transformation. The male Bodhisattva from India, Avalokitesvara, became a white-robed Chinese woman. In addition to the sex change, the female symbolism of the bodhisattva was expanded further by the addition of yin symbols (for example, moon, water, vase) from the yin-yang polarity of Chinese thought. In a Chinese culture dominated by Confucian social values, Chinese women saw this female symbol as particularly relevant to their problems as women. Not only was Kuan-yin an object of devotion, she also was a popular subject for women artists from at least the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
As we break out of the traditional notions of gender, the image of Kuan Yin stands for the fact that all people, regardless of sex, posses both male (yang) and female (yin) qualities. Through the identification of love and compassion with a female persona, Kuan Yin continues to be an important archetype in our age.
As Reed noted above, Yin-yang is a traditional Chinese concept. The yin here is not the same character as the Yin in the bodhisattva’s name, but it does present an intriguing parallel. Kuan Yin is the Chinese transliteration of Avalokitesvara, which means “one who hears the cries of the world.” Kuan is to see or have insight, and Yin in this case refers to sound. Actually, Kuan Yin is short for Kaun Shih Yin, with shih (pronounced sher) standing for world or reality.
Here is my interpretation of the verse section of the 25th Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, “The Universal Gateway”, Avalokitesvara/Kuan Yin’s first appearance in Buddhist literature. It’s meant to be recited as part of a meditation service or during one’s daily practice:
Kuan Yin Sutra
Namo Da Bei Kuan Yin Sher-Yin Pu-sa
Bodhisattva Infinite Thought said to the Buddha,
Thus-gone One, full of knowledge, one question I will ask again:
How did this serene disciple earn the respected name of Kuan Sher Yin?The Buddha replied,
Come and I will tell you how she well responds to every side;
She has served countless Buddhas, her vows are like an ocean, deep and wide.Who sees her face or hears about her, whoever calls this Bodhisattva’s name,
Will leave behind the sorrows of existence, and so this meditation is not in vain.If you be pushed into a pit of fire, by enemies with intent to harm,
One thought of Kuan Yin’s compassion and the pit will become a pond.If cast adrift upon the ocean, with sharks and demons all around,
Call out the name of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and you will not be drowned.If thrown down from Great Diamond Mountain, with its peak so steep and tall,
Call out the name of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and the air itself will catch the fall.If chased down Great Diamond Mountain by evil people wielding arms,
Just think of Kuan Yin’s compassion and you will not be harmed.If caught by a band of callous bandits, with evil hearts and murder on their minds,
Put your mind on Kuan Yin’s compassion and their hearts will turn soft and kind.If you are sick and on the brink of sudden death,
One thought of Kuan Yin will guarantee another breath.If set upon by demons, or spirits in the night so hard to see,
Say the name of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and all will be made to flee.If threatened by a snake with poison flowing from its deadly fangs,
Evoke the sound of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and the snake will shrink before her name.Beings live in a world where incessant pain like rain does fall;
The power of Kuan Yin’s compassion can serve to liberate them all.True Kuan Yin! Pure Kuan Yin! The power of love is truly great!
Wise Kuan Yin! Vast Kuan Yin! We vow to ever praise and emulate!O wisdom light that shines through darkness! O lamp of light for all the world!
The One who Hears the Cries of Others, your universal love unfurls!Compassion’s power! The precepts’ thunder! A wondrous cloud that protect us all;
Extinguishing the fires of life’s afflictions, Dharma-rain like nectar falls!To those who are immersed in trouble, or trembling in the midst of fear,
With just one thought of Kuan Yin all suffering disappears.The sound of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva is like the ocean’s mighty roar,
A name for every heart and mind to ever keep in store.Do not doubt the healing power of this pure and holy sage,
To those who look within themselves, she will come to offer aid.O Kuan Yin, bright with virtue, in your eyes all things are seen,
A boundless sea of every blessing, we offer now our high esteem.Namo Dai Bei Kuan Yin Pu-sa
These verses should not be taken literally of course. Again, Kuan Yin represents our inner capacity for showing compassion, and should not be regarded as some being outside of our lives.
Happy New Year to all.
© 2011 dmriley
