The Order of
the White Moon Goddess Gallery Presents
Kuan Yin Goddess of Mercy and Compassion By Sparrow Fairmoon A Student of The
Sacred Three Goddess School and an Initiate of the Order of the White Moon (©2017. All
original material in this Final Project is under copyright protection and is
the intellectual property of the author.)
The Author’s Altar to Kuan Yin Mythic
History The beautiful and beloved Bodhisattva
(being of bodhi or enlightenment), Kuan Yin, is known by many different names in Asian
cultures. Recognized as the Mother of
Mercy and Compassion, like the Virgin Mary She is seen
as an illuminator and intercessor. She
is the epitome of mercy, kindness, love and compassion. She is known by different names some of which
are: Kwun Yum (Hong Kong), Kannon (Japan), Guan-eum (Korea), Kuan Eim (Thailand) and Quan Am
(Vietnam) but it is generally agreed that Her homeland
is the Chinese island of P’u-t’o in the China Sea,
partway to Japan. In Her stories over the centuries She has played many roles some of which are virgin, wife
& mother, as well as a victim of child abuse, mutilation and murder. Through it all She
has remained a source of power, generosity and compassion. When She at last
reached enlightenment and could leave the pain and suffering of the cycle of
birth, death and rebirth and enter nirvana, the perpetual state of bliss, She
chose to stay in the world to aid, support and comfort all beings until each
has reached enlightenment.
A Statue of
Kuan Yin On the Author’s Land Originally, according to Indian
Buddhism, Kuan Yin was seen as incarnated as the male god, Avalokitesvara. But in 406 A.D. Kumarajiva,
a monk and translator, first referred to Her as a
female in his Chinese translation of the Lotus Sutra. The concept of Kuan Yin manifesting as male,
female, child and even as an animal is not contrary to Buddhist doctrine. Scripture explains that a bodhisattva has the
power to embody any form in order to help other beings. Kuan Yin usually manifests as a
beautiful young woman dressed in white wearing or carrying the “Pearls of
Illumination” and is often holding a vase from which She
pours the “Water of Life”. Sometimes she
holds a rice plant or a bowl of rice which symbolizes fertility and
sustenance. The figure on Her crown is Avalokitesvara, Her
previous male incarnation in Buddhism.
She also is seen with or riding a dragon, often over turbulent water. The dragon symbolizes spirituality, wisdom,
strength and powers of transformation.
Her colors are those of the heart chakra, pink and green, and among Her gems are jade and pearls. Unlike many
gods and goddesses, Kuan Yin is free of pride and vengefulness, askes for no
sacrifices, and is reluctant to punish.
She offers mercy and compassion to all who call upon Her
with absolute sincerity. Even the act of
speaking Her name is a powerful prayer.
http://www.hranajanto.com/goddessgallery/GGF-home.html Chinese Prayer
to Kuan Yin Holy Kuan
Yin Your very name is holy And powerful
as thunder over water. There is
nothing else so powerful. I bow my
head to You. May your
glance be compassionate And Your blessings be infinite. In
reverence, I bow my head. Original Art
The Author’s
Painting of Kuan Yin Ritual The following is a Ritual in honor of
Kuan Yin’s great compassion. It is
posted here with permission, and is from the Kuan Yin Oracle. Copyright 2010
Lighthouse Fengshui LLC. All rights
reserved
Kuan Yin's Great Compassion Each year on April 15th, it is the tradition to perform the Kuan Yin
Compassion Ritual, though you may do this at any time. The ritual is as
follows: - This ritual is worked traditionally with a low altar and one seated on
ones heels Set up your altar with a picture or statue of Kuan Yin, the Mandala of
Compassion (pictured below), and either a stick or cone of Lotus or Amber
incense or other pleasant incense.
Recite the following: “May the Peace of Kuan Yin be upon this household. Recite this mantra 9 times— Other
Resources https://journeyingtothegoddess.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/goddess-kwan-yin/ http://www.holymtn.com/gods/kuanyin.htm http://www.sacredwind.com/kuanyin.php http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/kuanyin-txt.htm Purifymind.com (Search
for “Kuan Yin”) www.sacredwind.com/kuanyin.php
(though sitting cross legged will suffice). If your altar/shrine table is
higher, that is okay too.
Bow 3 times to Kuan Yin
Offer one (or more) glass(es)
of water which Kuan Yin will bless.
Invite Kuan Yin to come to you and appear.
Bring the palms of your hands together in the prayer mudra.
May the Light of Kuan Yin be in my soul.
May the Wisdom of Kuan Yin be in my mind.
May the Virtue and Purity of Kuan Yin be among the members of my household.
May the Health and Well-Being of Kuan Yin be manifest throughout my body,
And radiate through the garments I wear.
May the Grace of Kuan Yin be in my worship.
May the Talents and Genius of Kuan Yin be manifest through my senses.
May the Peace of Kuan Yin be upon me!”
“Na Mo Kuan Yin Bodhisattva” & “Om ma ni pad me
hum”
Finally drink the water blessed by Kuan Yin.
This water now has healing powers.