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Goddess of Mercy

The Goddess of Mercy, also known as Kuan Yin or Kuan Si Yin, refers to "one who hears the cries of the world". She is the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to be originally the male Buddhist Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. According to Buddhist mythology, her mission is to take note of sufferings of people on earth, heed their call for help and grant them relief, using a twig of willow, a vase of holy water and power conferred upon her to perform miracles. She is believed to give children to the childless, protect women and keep fisherman from peril.

Kuan Yin is the most popular goddess associated with Buddhism among the Chinese and her statues and alters are found commonly in temples, homes, and shops. She is reportedly able to transform herself into 84 different forms. The most popular among Chinese worshippers is of her clad in a white dress, resting on a lotus flower, to symbolise the pureness of heart. According to legend, Kuan Yin was the youngest daughter of King Miao of the kingdom of Ling in ancient India. She sacrificed an eye and an arm to save her father from a deadly disease. When her father recovered, he offered thanksgiving to the gods for his daughter's sacrifice. At that moment, she attained enlightenment and rose up to Heaven as a goddess. She was transformed to one with 1,000 eyes and hands, implying that infinite wisdom and power had been conferred to her.

Her birthday is celebrated mainly on the 19th day of the 6th lunar month, although two other dates, the 19th day of the 9th lunar month and the 19th day of the 2nd lunar month are also commemorated in some places. Some believe that Sang Nila Utama, ancient founder of Singapore, was a Buddhist who was consecrated as having achieved spiritual union with the Goddess of Mercy.



Author
Peter Pak



References 
Hackin, J. et. al. (1996). The mythologies of the East: A detailed description and explanation of the mythologies of all the great nations of Asia (Vol. 2, pp. 352-358). New Delhi: Aryan Books International.
(Call no: R q291.13095 MYT)

Lai, K. F. (1984). The Hennessy book of Chinese festivals (pp. 71-73). Kuala Lumpur: Heinemann Asia.
(Call no.: RSING 394.2 LAI)

Buddhist relics from India go on display. (1993, November 6). The Straits Times, p. 23.


Further Readings
Mutén, B. (2001). The lady of ten thousand names: Goddess stories from many cultures. New York: Barefoot Books.
(Call no.: J 291.2 MUT) 

Palmer, M., Ramsay J., & Kwok, M. (1995). Kuan Yin: Myths and revelations of the Chinese goddess of compassion. London: Thorsons.
(Call no.: 294.3421 PAL) 

The information in this article is valid as at 2002 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Ethnic Communities>>Customs and Traditions
Folk religion--Singapore
Buddhism--Singapore
Philosophy, psychology and religion>>Religion>>Buddhism



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