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Kuan Yin
Kuan Yin, the
goddess of mercy, is originally known as Avalokitesvara
Bodhisattva in the Lotus Sutra, a Buddhist text written in the
ancient Indian language Sanscript. She is one of the four
great Bodhisattva, but notably known in the feminine form, of
Buddhism. As a Bodhisattva, the true enlightened one, who
most embodies compassion, and, the name Avalokitesvara implies
as the one who reaches out for cries of the world, Kuan Yin
delayed her entry into Nirvana for the salvation of the
suffering ones. According to the legend, she is believed
to be able to transform into many different forms always seeking
out for those who are in need of help. Her image in
statues and paintings can be found in temples, shrines, homes,
shops and restaurants throughout China and in many other parts
of Asia. Some of the popular images of Kuan Yin are seen
as a thousand arms and eyes, a goddess figure dressed in white
holding a willow branch, riding on a dragon or a carp in
swirling water or surrounded by children. Kuan Yin
symbolizes mercy, compassion, purity, protection and wisdom.
Kuan Yin is also pronounced as Quan Yin, Kwan Yin or Guan Yin.
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