The Gold Goodness Temple - Jindeyuan

The member of religious community often ask: “Is Kwan Im Pho Sat male of female actually ???” There were some who answered Kwan Im Pho Sat was actually a male. But many of them also answered Kwan Im Pho Sat was a female.

In reality, the holiness level of Bodhisatva has been greater than the different shape of male – female, beautiful– bad, old – young, rich– poor, and noble– contemptible, and so on. In other word, the holiness level of Bodhisatva has eliminated different appearance of male or female. Bodhisatva could adjust himself with the change of condition. Bodhisatva could change appearance into something suitable for the person who requests his assistance.

Then, Kwan Im Pho Sat could be in the nature of male, as well as female. This all are based on the necessity of human being who requires his/ her help.

Long time before Buddhism was disseminated from India to China, in Ancient China there had been belief to a compassionate Goddess with the appearance wearing white robe.
When entered China during Han Dynasty [206 B.C. – 220 A.N.), Buddhism introduced Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara (then it was known as Kwan Im Pho Sat) as a male. Commencing from Tang Dynasty era [618 – 907 A.N.] and Five Dynasty [ 907 – 960 M ], Kwan Im was appeared as a female. It was probably influenced by Confucianism that had been deeply rooted in social system at that time. They considered it was not feasible if a woman requested a child from a Male God. For her followers, it was considered as a wish of Kwan Im alone to realize herself as a female, in order that she could act at her own discretion with the woman whom mostly requested for her helps.

Apparently, this change occurred gradually. At first, Kwan Im was featured as a spouse of Avalokitesvara (likewise Gods from India whom always have spouses). Slowly but surely her followers in China started to forget male God, Avalokitesvara. In the 12^th century of anno domini, Kwan Im had been adored separately as Chinese-typical God, similarly other Buddhist Gods.

Prior to the entry of Buddhism to China, the women there had honored much the Goddess of Taoism whom they called with the title Niang Niang {Hok Kian = Nio Nio }, as the place where they requested protection, safety & descent. Therefore, when Guan Yin came out, they called also her with the title Niang Niang. The title of Guan Yin Pu Sa {Hok Kian = Kwan Im Pho Sat} that totally had the characteristic of Buddhism, in the circle of Chinese people was finally known as the title of Guan Yin Niang Niang {Kwan Im Nio Nio}.

Moreover, the followers of Taoism eventually also respected, even placed her equally to their Goddess, namely Tian Hou Sheng Mu (Tian Shang Sheng Mu). The name of Taoism for Guan Yin is Zi Hang Dao Ren {Cu Hang To Jin} meaning that the God of Shipping Savior.

That was Guan Yin obtained her popularity that far more exceeding the highest Buddhism God– Buddhist Sakyamuni Buddha, even though in many temples & monastery (wihara), Buddhist Sakyamuni sit on the most honorable altar.

E.T.C. Werner in his book Myths and Legends of China mentions Goddess of Kwan Im as a Buddhist Savior. Quotation from the said book on the people’s belief to Goddess of Kwan Im is as follows:

She was called Guan Yin since she was willing to hear lamentation of world & gave assistance. She obtained the title of Buddha who expelled the feeling of fear. If the name of Guan Yinwas mentioned amidst the blazing fire, then the fire would burn. If her name was mentioned amidst the breakers that were as high as mountain, then such water would become shallow. If a boat crew which was being hit by the big wave mentioned the name of Guan Yin the Merciful, the he would save to his destination. Amidst the jingling sound of sword & spear in the field of war, if mentioned the name of Guan Yin he would escape from the death. If any devil entering into your soul, mention the name of Guan Yin, then you would obtain peace and & spiritual peace.

Desire of anger & hate would disappear if her name was uttered. Someone who suffered from memory defect would recover if he prayed with full of sincerity to Guan Yin. Guan Yin the Beneficent & the Merciful would grant a child for mothers who wished him, a handsome son and a beautiful girl. Someone who mentioned the names of 6,200.000 Buddha or in large amount like the sand of Gangga River, it was equal to other person who only pronounced the name of Guan Yin simply once. Guan Yin could appear in the appearance of Buddha, Prince, Buddhist Monk, Student, old grandmother, and soon. He could go to any country, to disseminate the holy teachings all over the world.

Such was a Compassionate Goddess of China’s origin白衣大士 (Pek Ie Tai Su) unified in Avalokitesvara, it makes typical Chinese Buddhist Gods, even its Indian special characteristic has totally lost. The History of Miao Shan Princess who considerably dedicated to the parents was a reflection of the story of Buddha Gautama, in which he left secularism to become a hermit and become perfect in Pu To Shan mount.

Kwan Im figure that is closer to all level of society made him very popular even exceeding Buddha Gautama himself. In his appearance as Chien Chiu Koan Im (one Thousand Hand - Kwan Im), he was esoterically as if the God Almighty, since he was able to grant all requests of His followers.

Kwan Im Hut Co was widely known as a Compassionate Goddess, who was adored not only in the circle of Buddhist only but also in the circle of Taoism and all levels of common society in various countries mainly in Asia Continent.

Let’s take into account, in every (Chinese) Temple of Buddhist place of worship, whoever becoming the Host [for example Xian Tan Gong 玄壇公, Di Zang Wang 地藏王, Ma Zhu 媽祖, Guan Gong 關公 , Qing Yuan Zhen Jun 清元真君, etc ] there must be a special altar to respect Kwan Im Hut Co ! Why is so? It is because His Great Compassionate (大慈大悲). Then he was called Guan Shi Yin. Even the Western also knows him as Goddess of Mercy !!!

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