No. 002Buddhism Chinese Folk Religion & Taoism

Guanyin

觀音

Bodhisattva of compassion, who hears the cries of the world

Guanyin (觀音), "the one who perceives the sounds of the world," is the bodhisattva of compassion, honoured in Chinese Mahāyāna Buddhism and in Chinese folk religion. She grows from the Indian bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, and since about the twelfth century she has been shown in China as a serene woman in white robes.

The Lotus Sutra teaches that whoever calls on her in distress is heard, and devotees turn to her for mercy and for relief from suffering. In India and Tibet Avalokiteśvara is revered as male, so Guanyin's female form is specifically East Asian.

Shop Guanyin See the gallery

How to recognise Guanyin

White robesLook for flowing white robes, the white-robed (白衣) form most common today, which is the colour of Guanyin.
Serene faceHer expression is gentle and compassionate, with calm or downcast eyes, showing a mercy that does not waver.
Amitābha in the crownA small seated image of Amitābha Buddha at the centre of her crown or headdress is the key sign that this is Guanyin.
Vase of pure waterThe vase (淨瓶) of pure water, usually held in her left hand, carries the water of compassion.
Willow branchThe willow branch (楊柳枝), usually in her right hand, is used to sprinkle the water from the vase.
Lotus seatShe stands or sits on a lotus bloom, often floating on water; the lotus symbolises purity.
Child attendantsSometimes the young Shancai (palms joined) and Longnü (holding a bowl or pearl) stand beside her, always smaller than she is.

Names and titles

Goddess of MercyHer best-known English title, for her boundless mercy
Hearer of the World's CriesMeaning of Guanyin: she perceives the sounds of the world
Bodhisattva of CompassionThe bodhisattva who embodies compassion and relieves suffering
White-Robed BodhisattvaBaiyi, her white-robed form, the most common today
Answering All Who CallLotus Sutra chapter 25: whoever calls on her in distress is heard

Feast days

Guanyin's Birthday19th day of the 2nd lunar month (next: 26 March 2027) (date to be confirmed)
Guanyin's Attainment of Buddhahood19th day of the 6th lunar month (next: 22 July 2027)
Guanyin's Renunciation Day19th day of the 9th lunar month (next: 28 October 2026) (date to be confirmed)