Quan Yin and Filial Parrot

The Precious Scroll of the Parrot tells the story of a parrot, which became a disciple of Quan Yin.

The father of a little parrot has died and his mother is deathly ill. His mother wants to eat cherries, which are only grown in China. Even though being warned of the dangers of encountering people, the parrot ventured out in search of its mother's favorite food. Soon after the little parrot’s departure hunters captured him and discovered his ability to speak. The poachers then sold him to a very wealthy landlord.  

As time moved on the parrot proceeded to give sermons and as a result the hunters who caught him renounced their profession and many people converted to Buddhism.

The rich man who purchased the parrot was stonehearted and refused to free the parrot. One day a Buddhist monk came to visit and suggested a way to escape. The parrot pretended to be dead and when the wealthy man saw him lying still, he threw the parrot on the ground. When the parrot managed to escape and return home, he found his mother dead. The parrot fainted away in grief. Quan Yin moved by the little parrots filial faithfulness came to him and with her willow branch sprinkled the parrot with the holy water of life she keeps in her vase, the parrot was revived. Quan Yin also assisted the parrot’s parents in achieving a good rebirth. In deep gratitude the parrot asked to accompany Quan Yin forever and they sailed slowly towards the Purple Bamboo Grove.

Another depiction of Quan Yin and the little parrot is the white parrot carrying the rosary in its beak flying to meet the Bodhisattva.

To see Kuan Yin Standing on Lotus statue click on image:  
 Kuan Yin On Lotus - Collectible Buddhism Figurine Statue Sculpture