Kuan Yin
Definition
- Proper noun:
- In Buddhism, a female Bodhisattva, a being of compassion who delays entering Nirvana to help others. She is often called the goddess of mercy and is considered an aspect of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Usage
- Proper noun:
- Devotees pray to Kuan Yin for compassion and mercy.
- The temple houses a beautiful statue of Kuan Yin.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural and Religious Context: The name is the Chinese representation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This figure is central to East Asian Mahayana Buddhism and is also venerated in folk religious traditions.
- Many Chinese households have a small altar dedicated to Kuan Yin.
Variants and Related Words
- Guanyin: An alternative Romanization of the same Chinese name.
- Avalokiteśvara: The Sanskrit name for the Bodhisattva of Compassion, of which Kuan Yin is an East Asian manifestation.
- Kwannon: The Japanese name for this Bodhisattva.
- Bodhisattva: (noun) In Buddhism, a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion to save suffering beings.
Synonyms
- Goddess of Mercy: A common epithet for Kuan Yin.
- Compassionate One: A descriptive synonym highlighting her primary attribute.
Related Phrases and Cultural References
- "Hear the cries of the world": A phrase associated with Kuan Yin's vow to listen to and aid all who suffer.
- Kuan Yin's Vow: Refers to the bodhisattva vow of compassion taken by this figure to save all sentient beings.
Noun
-
(Buddhism) a female Bodhisattva; often called goddess of mercy and considered an aspect of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; identified with Japanese Kwannon