Bodhisattva
Kanzeon

Who is Kanzeon?

The bodhisattva Khan Shih Yin - meaning she who hears the laments of the world - is the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion. In Japan this bodhisattva is known as Kannon or Kanzeon, and within the Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions is identified with Avalokiteshvara (he who watches lovingly over the world) and the goddess Tara (the saviouress).

As the embodiment of divine maternal love, she extends her infinite loving kindness to all beings with pure equanimity. She is represented here in her form as the white robed goddess of the rock cave seated upon a rock promontory at the entrance to her ocean cave on Fu T'o Island off the Chekiang coast of China. This island derives its name from the Sanskrit word Potala - the paradise island of both Avalokiteshvara, and Kuan Yin.

As the Dalai Lama is considered to be an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, his palace at Lhasa is also known as the Potala. Kuan Yin is serenely represented with her hands held in her lap in the gesture of meditation. A small image of her Buddha Lord, Amida (Amitabha Buddha), adorns her crown - as Kuan Yin manifests as a divine emanation from the pure land of Amida Buddha.