Worshipped by perhaps more devotees than any other goddess ever known, the most beloved of all Chinese deities, Kuan Yin (also known as Quan Yin, Quanyin, Kwan Yin, or Kwonnon), is usually depicted pouring healing waters from a vase to ease the physical and spiritual distress of her devotees.  Kuan Yin is the "divine mother", Bodhisattva of Compassion, and "she who hears the cries of the world."

Quan Yin appears to be a blending of two major sources:  a popular pre-existing Chinese folk goddess, and the Buddhist Bodhisattva, Avalokiteswara (in Tibetan, Chenrezig).  A bodhisattva is a person who has reached divine enlightenment and is entitled to enter Nirvana, but refuses, choosing instead to be reborn until all creatures have entered Nirvana. The Dali Lama is believed to be the living incarnation of Avalokiteswara, the Tibetan Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Unlike many other Buddhist traditions, Tibetan Buddhism allows for a pantheon of gods.   Since there was no room in this pantheon for goddesses, the Chinese, unwillingly to give up their beloved mother figure goddess, transformed Avalokiteswara into Quan Yin--the ever-reincarnating divine being who hears every prayer, every hope, every cry.

Ironically, the Chinese believe that Quan Yin refuses to incarnate as a man--choosing to be continually reborn as a female until all her children have reached enlightenment.   She is a virgin goddess, dedicated to selfless serving, hearing the cries of all living beings in the throes of earthly samsara, and refusing to enter final bliss until all creatures are freed from ignorance and rebirth.

To this day, Quan Yin is one of the world's most beloved goddesses, and vast numbers of monuments and altars, both ancient and modern are dedicated to her throughout the world.
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