Definition

Proper noun 1. A female bodhisattva of compassion: In East Asian Buddhism, Kwan-yin is a bodhisattva (an enlightened being who postpones nirvana to help others) associated with mercy, compassion, and kindness. She is a central figure of veneration.

Usage

• Kwan-yin is often depicted holding a vase containing the nectar of compassion.
• Many devotees pray to Kwan-yin for comfort and guidance.
• The temple featured a beautiful statue of Kwan-yin.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Syncretism: Kwan-yin's veneration demonstrates the syncretic nature of East Asian Buddhism, where the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara transformed into a motherly, feminine figure of mercy.
• Artistic Depictions: Iconography of Kwan-yin is highly varied, including representations with a thousand arms and eyes (symbolizing her boundless capacity to help) or as the "Giver of Children."

Variants and Related Words

• Guanyin: The standard modern romanization of the Chinese name (觀音).
• Kwannon: The Japanese name for this bodhisattva.
• Avalokiteśvara: The original Sanskrit name of the male bodhisattva of compassion from which the figure of Kwan-yin evolved.
• Bodhisattva: A key Buddhist concept referring to an enlightened being dedicated to helping all sentient beings achieve liberation.

Synonyms

• Goddess of Mercy (a common epithet, though technically a bodhisattva, not a goddess)
• Bodhisattva of Compassion

Related Idioms and Cultural References

• "The mercy of Kwan-yin": A phrase used to denote profound compassion or a merciful act.
  • He showed the mercy of Kwan-yin by forgiving the debt.
• While not a phrasal verb, the name is central to the common devotional phrase "Homage to Kwan-yin Bodhisattva."

Noun

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