Who is Kwan Yin?

Kwan Yin is revered in Buddhism as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. She is also known by the names Guanyin, QuanYin and Kannon (the Japanese company Canon derived its name from this). A bodhisattva is one who was once human and achieved enlightenment, but chose to remain close to the human condition in order to provide guidance, rather than enter into Nirvana as a buddha. Kwan Yin is said to have been a student of Amitabha Buddha.

Kwan Yin is also known as the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. She is sometimes seen as a Mother Goddess and a patron of sailors and fishermen. She is known as a protector of women and children, and one to approach when you desire children. She is a source of unconditional love, and a savior who frees humans from karmic woes. Some call her the Buddhist Madonna, and compare her role to that of Mary in the Christian tradition. Among some esoteric and new age groups, she is referred to as one of the Ascended Masters.

In some depictions, she is shown with many arms, reflecting her desire to reach out to as many as possible. Sometimes she is seated on a white lotus, or holds one in her hand. She is also often depicted holding a small vase, sometimes held upright and sometimes turned on its side, pouring out the "Waters of Life", a symbol of Her mercy and compassion.