Author: cwslim
Date: 03-09-05 22:41
In Chinese Buddhism,the "goddess" of compassion is so very deep-rooted in the Chinese belief since 12th and 13th centuries by taking on a female form.
She is actually the "Bodhisattva" in Mahayana canon and who was worshiped in India in male form as "Avalokiteshvara" and also in Japan as the multi-armed Kannon.
Bodhisattva,in Mahayana Buddhism is the title given to a person who is to become a Buddha and it's an ideal of those seeking "enlightenment" not for themselve alone but for all beings.
Buddha(Gautama) before his enlightenment was termed or described only as "Bodhisattva" - the one who,having gained degrees of enlightenment,remains in the world in order to help other beings to their release.Hence Chinese people say of: - 'Guan Yin Pu2 Sa4' and 'Pu'sa Xin1 Chang2'(compassion in one's heart).
Hopes that clarify some folklore misunderstandings when many of us do
not really get to it but only from grandma's story by gross-mystifying.
WS Lim
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