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Kuan Yin: Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

© John Walsh

Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, is worshipped throughout many parts of East Asia, wherever Buddhists live, especially those who are Chinese or Japanese. Chinese migrants have helped the practice to spread throughout Thailand, where adherence to the goddess has become associated with the rise of the middle class and the spiritual needs these particular people face. Since adherents of the goddess frequently abstain from beef - or else become vegetarians altogether - the beef noodle industry in Bangkok, once a staple for the Chinese community, has virtually collapsed.

The origin of Kuan Yin is somewhat obscure and originally she was portrayed by some at least as a male. However, by the period of the Tang dynasty in China she had been transformed into the form by which she is now best-known as the result of the infusion of Tantric Buddhism into China and its combination with existing beliefs. In this form, Kuan Yin is paid reverence as a Bodhisattva and is depicted as beautiful and dressed in white robes. A Bodhisattva is a human being who has attained enlightenment and who then returns to the earth in order to guide other people towards the same goal and generally helping them overcome any troubles they may be facing.

The Chinese princess Miao Shan, who lived at the beginning of the C8th CE, during the Tang Dynasty, is often considered to be one manifestation of Kuan Yin. Many myths surround Miao Shan and her life. She is said to have chosen honourable death over accepting suitors for a wedding which would have been contrary to her vows. Hearing of her act, the gods of the infernal regions sent an emissary to bring her to hell where they could show their respect for her. Kuan Yin assented to this on the condition that all the unfortunate souls suffering in hell should be released from their chains for a while to hear her message. As a result, hell became a paradise during her visit. She was also responsible for bringing many monarchs and high people who has committed crimes in the eyes of heaven to understand their actions and to make amends for them.

A statue of Kuan Yin may be found, so it is said, in every Buddhist Monastery and her role has become akin to that of a spiritual mother. While she appeals greatly to women, she also receives worship from men. As is the case with all Buddhist deities, people wishing to attract the goddess's attention and beneficence will perform good works such as providing her statues with money and with food and drink, while also burning incense and praying and bowing before her, according to the customs of the particular country. Occasionally people will ring temple bells or sound gongs or let off firecrackers to help heaven realise where to direct its gaze. The goddess is said to be particularly helpful to people who wish her to help with general family wealth and well-being. These are problems symptomatic of the rise in urbanization and modernism in East Asia since they reflect the breakdown of family life and social structures and the need to earn a good salary in an increasingly competitive economy.