Guanyin Bodhisattva, also known as Guanyin Bodhisattva, is one of the four great bodhisattvas in Buddhism. Its name means "the one who contemplates the sound of the world" and represents the great compassion of Buddhism for relieving suffering. She generally accepted the prayers and supplications of all people, and as a result, became the most popular Buddhist deity in Asia and the world.
The image of Guanyin Bodhisattva has undergone a process of sinicization in China, and has gradually become a female image full of Chinese colors. Her statues and images are often used as female figures in Chinese monasteries and folklore, which began around the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and became popular after the Tang Dynasty.
Guanyin Bodhisattva's birthday is the 19th day of the second lunar month, the enlightenment day is the 19th day of the 6th lunar month, the day of Nirvana is the 19th day of the 9th month of the lunar calendar, and its dojo is Putuo Mountain. In the Buddhist scriptures, the original image of Guanyin Bodhisattva was a male deity, but under the acceptance and transformation of Chinese culture, and the plasticity of the image of Guanyin is particularly strong, Guanyin Bodhisattva gradually evolved into a female image.
In addition, Guanyin has many different names and images, such as the six Guanyin, the seven Guanyin, and the thirty-three Guanyin (called the thirty-three bodies), but Guanyin generally refers to the holy Guanyin as the whole. She embraced great compassion and is seen as a symbol of compassion and wisdom in Buddhism. In folk belief, Guanyin Bodhisattva is a bodhisattva who rescues suffering and responds to requests, and all sentient beings in distress need to recite their name, and she will go to rescue them.
There are various theories about the origin of the Buddhist Guanyin Bodhisattva. One of the most widely disseminated stories relates to the early Indian period of Buddhism, when Emperor Ashoka and queen were born. Legend has it that Emperor Ashoka and his queen listened to the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni very devoutly, and they were respected and loved for their kindness and often helping the poor and sick. One day, Emperor Ashoka and Queen Ashoka got lost while visiting the mountain, and they found that the cave was filled with many people who were suffering for various reasons. Just when they felt helpless, a beautiful woman, an incarnation of Guanyin Bodhisattva, appeared before them and offered to help them and protect them. From then on, Emperor Ashoka and Queen Ashoka began to help people in the caves, and Guanyin Bodhisattva has always guarded them.
Another version comes from the Chinese popular "Huafa Jing Pumen Pin". In this story, the lord of the Northern Liang Kingdom, Fuqu Mengxun, asked for help due to illness, and after hearing the "Huafa Sutra Pumen Pin", he sincerely recited it, and was cured as a result. Since then, the Pumen Pin has been widely disseminated throughout the country, and it mentions that by reciting the name of Avalokiteshvara in times of suffering, one can attain liberation.
In Chinese legend, Guanyin Bodhisattva has another life. It is said that she was the third daughter of King Chuzhuang in the Spring and Autumn Period, named Miaoshan. She believed in Buddhism from snacks and fasted, and devoted herself to cutting her hair to become a nun, but she was resolutely opposed by her father. Despite going through many tribulations, Miao Shan eventually attained the right fruit, was ranked in the immortal class, and became Guanyin Bodhisattva.
In addition, the Buddhist classic "Beihua Sutra" also mentions that Guanyin Bodhisattva is the crown prince of the Wheel Saint King, and his name is unrestrained. Since he was a child, he was determined to let everyone live and work in peace and contentment, and later cultivated to become a Buddha, and Rulai named him Guanyin.
While there are many different theories about the specific origins of Guanyin, all emphasize her image of compassion and wisdom, as well as her ability to respond to difficult situations. These stories and legends not only enrich the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva, but also demonstrate the core values of compassion, wisdom, and relief for sentient beings in Buddhism.
In general, as an important deity in Buddhism, Guanyin Bodhisattva's origin integrates multiple cultural and historical backgrounds, reflecting the characteristics of Buddhism's wide spread and deep roots. Whether as a part of religious beliefs or as a part of traditional Chinese culture, Guanyin Bodhisattva has played an irreplaceable role and is deeply believed and respected by people.