Quan Yin a Bodhisattva

Quan Yin was initially recognized by East Asian Buddhists as the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, commonly known as the Goddess of Mercy in the West.

Quan Yin was introduced into China as early as the 1^st century BCE and reached Japan through Korea after Buddhism was brought into the country during the mid 7^th century.

Representations of Quan Yin in China prior to the Song Dynasty (960  - 1279) were masculine. Later images were displayed in both female and male and are believed to be in accordance with the Lotus Sutra, where Quan Yin (Avalokitesvara) has the power to assume any form necessary to relieve suffering.

Artist, novelists and playwrights celebrate Quan Yin and Buddhists, Taoists and lay people worship her. Quan yin is also invoked by believers of various sectarian religions throughout Asia as well as many who believe in her around the world.

To see a Kuan-Yin in Meditation Pose on Lotus click on image:  
 Kuan-Yin in Meditation Pose on Lotus Statue, Stone