33 Shapes of Appearance of Kuan Im
|
|
In general, Guan Yin Fo Zhu {Hok Kian = Koan Im Hut Co} is called Guan Yin. Its familiar call is Ma Kuan Im / Kuan Im Ma 觀音媽 . In Sanskrit it is called Buddha Avalokitesvara. Why do many people mention Goan Shi Yin Pu Sa 觀世音菩薩 {Hok Kian = Koan Si Im Pho Sat}? It is due to his very compassionate namely: will not be a Buddha before all human beings are saved. But actually he has become a Buddhist and has the title Nan Hai Gu Fo 南海古佛 {Hok Kian = Lam Hai Ko Hut }. Then at this Jin De Yuan we call it Kuan Im Hut Co .
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. At the end of Han Dynasty (25 – 228 M), Buddhism entered to China and obtained place in the heart of people. The history of Miao Shan (Biao Sian) Princess in the history of Lam Hai Kuan Im Coan Thoan was known very well in China’s Buddhism and has been united in the inners of Chinese people.
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.
Kuan 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 - Kuan Im), he was esoterically as if the God Almighty, since he was able to grant all requests of His followers.
Koan 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 Hian Than Kong 玄壇公 , Te Cong Ong 地藏王 , Ma Co 媽祖 , Kuan Kong 關公 , Ceng Guan Ceng Kun 清元真君 , etc ] there must be a special altar to respect Kuan 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!
Guan Shi Yin is a lateral translation of Sanskrit Avalokitesvara, containing the following meanings:
Guan = see, look at
Shi = world (Perishable world full of miseries)
Yin = voice (scream of misery of human being)
Guan Yin is a Buddhist represented a compassionate and loving hearth, instilled in the inner hearth of each adorer. They believe that Guan Yin can hear grievance of those who suffered and come to help, in different appearance, both female and male.
In the society, Kuan Im Hut Co is considered as a rescuer for the people who are in misery and suffering. He is also deemed the helper of the spirits who suffer in the hell, therefore he is featured in worship feeding the hungry spirits held on the 7 th month of Chinese New year (Imlek), with the name of Pu Du Gong 普渡公 (Master who helps the Crossing).
The Appearance of Koan Im
In Sutra Suddharma Pundarika Sutra 妙法蓮花經 (Biauw Hoat Lien Hoa Keng) is mentioned there are 33 appearances or reincarnation of Koan Im Pho Sat. Meanwhile in Maha Karuna Dharani / Da Bei Zhou 大悲咒 {Hok Kian = Tay Pi Ciu} ， there are 84 different shapes (rupa) yang as manifestation of Koan Im as Bodhisatva whose a great power. His loyal partner is Kim Tong 金童 (Gold Bachelor) and Giok Li 玉女 (Kumala Girl) or frequently called Sian Cay & Liong Nio.
The main Altar in Pho Jee Sie (Phu Tho San) temple is dedicated to Koan Im Pho Sat with its appearance as Buddha Vairocana, and on the left/ right lines up respectively the all 16 his other appearance. Total on the left and right together with on the main altar are 33 kinds of impressed and very authoritative.
In other countries adhering to Buddhism such as India, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Kuan Im Hut Co is usually is performed as a man. Only in China, Kuan Im Hut Co is created as women with various performances including:
- Kuan Im who brings Silk gives teachings of Buddha Dharma to human beings.
- Kuan Im with violet bamboo forest.
- Kuan Im crosses the sea. They say, Kuan Im from India crossed the ocean approaching to Phu Tho San, Zhe Jiang Province.
- A thousand-hand Kuan Im. This appearance meaning that Kuan Im knows everything and able to do many things.
- Kuan Im with basket filled with fish. Meaning loving the creatures, since that fish will be released again to the sea.
- Kuan Im wearing white dress. It means true-white without any sin.
- Kuan Im with 8 (eight) obstacles. It is representing Kuan Im able to cope with various difficulties in order to accept Buddhism teachings peacefully
- Kuan Im brings child. Worship for parents who wish to have child(ren).
- Kuan Im brings bottle containing sacred water. Usually accompanied by a sacred kid, San Chai, and cockatoo.
- Kuan Im climbs the wave or on a reef, representing his perseverance to go through various difficulties in helping human beings.
All 10-appearances above are the most famous among the 33 shapes of appearance of Kuan Im, in helping his followers who require.
His appearance on a main altar Kim Tek Ie (see figure below) is a King Cee Koan Im (Kuan Im brings Silk teaches Buddha Dharma teachings to human beings). In addition to, there is a shape of Koan Im Hut Co in Chien Chiu Koan Im 千手觀音 (Kuan Im on thound hands) an appearance of Him that always ready to grant a sincere request from His followers.
