One of the most frequently seen deities on altars in China's temples is Quan Yin. In Sanskrit, her name is Padma-pâni, or "Born of the Lotus." Quan Yin, alone among Buddhist gods is loved rather than feared and is the model of Chinese beauty. She was originally male until the early part of the 12th century and has evolved since that time from her prototype, Avalokiteshvara, "the merciful lord of utter enlightment," an Indian bodhisattva who chose to remain on earth to bring relief to the suffering rather than enjoy for himself the ecstasies of Nirvana.
One of the several stories surrounding Quan Yin is that she was a Buddhist who through great love and sacrifice during her life had earned the right to enter Nirvana after death. However, like Avlokiteshvara, while standing before the gates of Paradise she heard a cry of anguish from the earth below. Turning back to earth, Quan Yin renounced her reward of eternal bliss and in its place found immortality in the hearts of the suffering.
Quan Yin Bridge Tapestry Wall Hanging
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