Chenrezig statue

Bodhisattva Chenrezig, single piece

Molded and frosted glass. Height 13cm.

Guānyīn (Guan Yin, Guānzìzài, Guanshiyin, Kwan-yin or Kuan Yin) is one of the most important bodhisattvas of Pure Land Buddhism in China.

Symbol meaning

Guānyīn is the bodhisattva of fertility and femininity, the patron saint of fishermen, sailors and merchants, but also of children and the sick. Guānyīn is the Chinese equivalent of the goddess of mercy and compassion, Avalokiteśvara. Guānyīn's Chinese name is "Guanshiyin", roughly translated as "He who perceives the sounds of the world". In Tibetan Buddhism, Avalokiteśva is again known as Chenrezig, and he is the embodiment of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (Three Jewels) and from one of his tears, another important bodhisattva of compassion, Tãrã, was also born. In the Mahayana trend, one of the largest schools of Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is again considered to have made a vow to listen to the voices of all sentient beings, especially their prayers and concerns. Because of this, Avalokiteshvara has decided to postpone his own becoming a Buddha, in order to help all beings achieve nirvana.