Definition

1. 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

1. (Buddhism) a female Bodhisattva; often called goddess of mercy and considered an aspect of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; identified with Japanese Kwannon