In general, 觀音佛祖 Guan Yin Fo Zhu {Hok Kian = Kwan Im Hut Co} is called Guan Yin. Its familiar call is Ma Kwan Im / Kwan 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 = Kwan 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 we call it Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Bai Yi Da Shi {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 Kwan 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 Hian Than Kong 玄壇公, Te Cong Ong 地藏王, Ma Co 媽祖, Kwan Kong 關公 , Ceng Guan Ceng Kun 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 !!!

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, Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Phu Tho San (Pho Jee Sie) temple is dedicated to Kwan 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, Kwan Im Hut Co is usually is performed as a man. Only in China, Kwan Im Hut Co is created as women with various performances including:

1.        Kwan Im who brings Silk gives teachings of Buddha Dharma to human beings.

2.        Kwan Im with violet bamboo forest.

3.        Kwan Im crosses the sea. They say, Kwan Im from India crossed the ocean approaching to Phu Tho San, Zhe Jiang Province.

4.        A thousand-hand Kwan Im. This appearance meaning that Kwan Im knows everything and able to do many things.

5.        Kwan Im with basket filled with fish. Meaning loving the creatures, since that fish will be released again to the sea.

6.        Kwan Im wearing white dress. It means true-white without any sin.

7.        Kwan Im with 8 (eight) obstacles. It is representing Kwan Im able to cope with various difficulties in order to accept Buddhism teachings peacefully

8.        Kwan Im brings child. Worship for parents who wish to have child(ren).

9.        Kwan Im brings bottle containing sacred water. Usually accompanied by a sacred kid, San Chai, and cockatoo.

10.     Kwan 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 Kwan Im, in helping his followers who require.

His appearance on a main altar Kim Tek Ie is a King Cee Kwan Im (Kwan Im brings Silk teaches Buddha Dharma teachings to human beings). In addition to, there is a shape of Kwan Im Hut Co in Chien Chiu Kwan Im 千手觀音 (Kwan Im one thousand hands) an appearance of Him that always ready to grant a sincere request from His followers.

Initially, in the year 1650 indeed, Kim Tek Ie Temple was built by a Chinese Lieutenant, Kwee Hoen for Kwan Im Pho Sat named 觀音亭 Guan Yin Ting {Hok Kian = Kwan Im Teng}, meaning Kwan Im Pavillion. The origin of word Kelenteng (Temple) also derives from this: Guan Yin Ting -> Kwan Im Teng -> Kelenteng.

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The Origin Of Word Kelenteng

Initially, in the middle of the 17^th century, indeed, Kim Tek Ie temple was established with the name of Guan Yin Ting {Hok Kian = Kwan Im Teng}, meaning Kwan Im Pavillion. The origin of word Kelenteng (China Temple) is coming from here: Guan Yin Ting à Kwan Im Teng à Kelenteng.

According to Book entitles Chinese Chronicle in Batavia, is mentioned that around the year of 1650, a China Lieutenant, Guo Xun Guan built a place of worship to honor Guan Yin in Glodok, Jakarta Kota. Guan Yin is a Compassionate Buddhist Goddess who is commonly known as Kwan Im Goddess. In the 17^th Century, when Japanese Christian followers were tortured, the Statue of Kwan Im Goddess replaced by the Statue of the Virgin Mary to misled spies of Japanese Police.

This place of worship in Glodok is called Guan Yin Ting (Kwan Im pavillion). This China word Guan Yin Ting is often called Kwan Im Teng {Chinese language with dialect of Hok Kian ethnical group, since at that time most of followers who worshipped were from Hok Kian ethnic group. (Note: the name of this 進德院 Jin De Yuan Temple is also mentioned Hok Kian dialect: Kim Tek Ie)}. This Chinese word Kwan Im Teng in Indonesian language is called Klenteng. Currently, this word Klenteng (Kelenteng) is becoming popularly mentioned for all places of worships of Chinese descendants in Indonesia.

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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

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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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

Kwan Im Pho Sat – Pria Atau Wanita

Among the神明 Sen Mings {Hok Kian: Sin Beng} / Deity who was adored in the temple, 觀音佛祖 Kwan Im Hut Co by her followers is considered the one who frequently show the miracle. Someone whom with full of sincerity recite mantras: 南無大悲觀世音菩薩 Nan Wu Da Bei Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa {Na Mo Ta Pei Kwan Se Im Pho Sat}, sooner or later will obtain assistance from Kwan Im, depending on SINCERITY and KARMA of the said person at the time of reciting.

The Miracle of Kwan Im Hut Co was many witnessed & told by her followers. Like the Virgin Mary (in Catholic), who was reported often showed herself or conducted a healing miracle like in Lourdes, of his statue shed tears. The Miracle of Kwan Im Hut Co to be written here is those recorded within the holy book or someone’s experience or testimony:

1. Those contained within Fa Yuan Zhu Lin Book, including telling about Sun Jing De {Sun Keng Tek}. Sun Jing De was a civil servant of a social department in Ding Zhou city, Wei country. Sun Jing De has made a statue of Dewi Kwan Im and extremely diligent worshipped to the Goddess. One day, she was involved in a robbery incident by one of the perpetrators. Without examination & investigation Sun Jing De was then imposed a death sentence. The night prior to the execution of death sentence, she was dream to meet with a priest who taught her to recite a prayer which then popular with the name Gao Wang Guan Shi Yin Jing {Ko Ong Kwan Si Im Keng} for 1,000 times in order to escape from the death. In the morning, when she was escorted to the spot of the execution of death sentence, Sun Jing De still kept up reciting that prayer with full of SINCERITY. Exactly at the time of death sentence to be executed, Sun Jing De succeeded to complete the number 1,000 prayer. When a machete of executioner cut her neck, the miracle occurred: such machete was broken into 2 parts! Until 3 times the executioner replace his machete, Sun Jing De remained uninjured even a bit!!! All people attended there were exceptionally surprised. When it was investigated on the neck, statue of Kwan Im made by Sun Jing De, it was found there were 3 lines like scratch traces of sharp object. Receiving this report, the Prime Minister Gao Huan then instructed Sun Jing De to be set free from all cases, and suggested this rescuing prayer from Kwan Im to be written and & disseminated. Ever since Ko Ong Kwan Si Im Keng has been known to date.
2. Sun Dao De, someone who was keen of prayed & lived in era of Jin dynasty. In the age of 50 years hasn’t been blessed with any child. A Buddhist monk who lived in the temple nearby his house suggested to recite Guan Yin Jing {Kwan Im Keng}. Ever since, a moment later his wife got pregnancy & then delivered a male baby.
3. On March 1923, an Army officer, Zhang Jiang Jun, departed with his family from Shang Hai to Nan Jing by plane. After flying several moment, suddenly that plane had engine trouble & uncontrolled. Zhang Jiang Jun, who usually often recited Rescuing Prayer of Kwan Im, then, asked all people on board to pray together. Soon after reciting prayer, from the windows of plane was seen Goddess of Kwan Im smiling among the clouds. The plane that nearly crashed to the earth, suddenly able to wet up with the engine able to run again. Secretary to Zhang Jiang Jun had the chance to take picture of Kwan Im face that appeared among those clouds.
4. In 1973, a US Air Force (USAF) officer who was performing patrol flying above Taiwan Straits, saw a collection of strange black clouds. He then took the picture of it. After being developed, it was seen the picture of Kwan Im standing on a flying dragon. This event was very shocking & had a chance to be published in several prominent newspapers.
5. In June 1977 big figure of Kwan Im in Port Stanley, Hongkong had moved miraculously. This event was preceded by the radiation of light from the precious stone being adhered on the said pratima forehead, and witnessed by many followers (of religion) who at that time solemnly prayed. This news was quoted by Pikiran Rakyat newspaper, Bandung of 7 June 1977 edition, from one of dailies in Hong Kong.
6. Guan Ming, a writer from Malaysia, told his experience published in the book of “Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhisme” of 1985 edition. In early 1979, Guan Ming experienced an extraordinary spiritual event that has changed him into an obedient Buddhist. For weeks, he prayed to God for the recovery of his younger brother who suffered from a malignant cancer. That prayer was heard by the Almighty and unpredictably Kwan Im Hut Co appeared before him. Kwan Im would only to heal his younger brother, but also said that he would be blessed with a son in the following year. His younger brother was decided by a doctor only able to survive in the next several weeks, it was found totally recovered!!! And in 1980 he was blessed with a son, precisely like what uttered by Kwan Im. Ever since, Guan Ming established a Kwan Im Prayer Association that was centered in Malaysia, to disseminate Buddhism and adore Kwan Im.

Talking about the miracle of Kwan Im probably requires a book as thick as Encyclopedia of Britanica, since each follower has his/her own story on his/her experience. To belief such kind of matters, it is not easy for common people, indeed. But if we are convinced that all religion stem from ONE SOURCE, namely God the Almighty, and introduced through different Prophets, in the places of different customs and traditions, and in different era {Person, Place & Period}, we need not to be surprised with such kind of miracle. Since it also occurs on followers of other religions, providing that they have practiced His teaching CORRECTLY & SINCERELY.

Because having a religion is actually personal experience and may not be forced to others that of course having different experiences from us. Thus, the truth is we comply with the teachings our respective religion that pursuant to ourselves, without vilifying the religions of others & considering our own religion is the truest. Thereby, we will be able to live peacefully, tolerantly & mutually respected with other religion.

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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

Kemukjizatan Kwan Im

In general, 觀音佛祖 Guan Yin Fo Zhu {Hok Kian = Kwan Im Hut Co} is called Guan Yin. Its familiar call is Ma Kwan Im / Kwan 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 = Kwan 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 we call it Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Bai Yi Da Shi {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 Kwan 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 Hian Than Kong 玄壇公, Te Cong Ong 地藏王, Ma Co 媽祖, Kwan Kong 關公 , Ceng Guan Ceng Kun 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 !!!

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, Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Kwan 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 Phu Tho San (Pho Jee Sie) temple is dedicated to Kwan 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, Kwan Im Hut Co is usually is performed as a man. Only in China, Kwan Im Hut Co is created as women with various performances including:

1. Kwan Im who brings Silk gives teachings of Buddha Dharma to human beings.
2. Kwan Im with violet bamboo forest.
3. Kwan Im crosses the sea. They say, Kwan Im from India crossed the ocean approaching to Phu Tho San, Zhe Jiang Province.
4. A thousand-hand Kwan Im. This appearance meaning that Kwan Im knows everything and able to do many things.
5. Kwan Im with basket filled with fish. Meaning loving the creatures, since that fish will be released again to the sea.
6. Kwan Im wearing white dress. It means true-white without any sin like Maria in Catholic.
7. Kwan Im with 8 (eight) obstacles. It is representing Kwan Im able to cope with various difficulties in order to accept Buddhism teachings peacefully
8. Kwan Im brings child. Worship for parents who wish to have child(ren).
9. Kwan Im brings bottle containing sacred water. Usually accompanied by a sacred kid, San Chai, and cockatoo.
10. Kwan 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 Kwan Im, in helping his followers who require.

His appearance on a main altar Kim Tek Ie is a King Cee Kwan Im (Kwan Im brings Silk teaches Buddha Dharma teachings to human beings). In addition to, there is a shape of Kwan Im Hut Co in Chien Chiu Kwan Im 千手觀音 (Kwan Im one thousand hands) an appearance of Him that always ready to grant a sincere request from His followers.

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Kwan Im Hut Co – Dewi Welas Asih