Kuan-yin
Subtitle: the Chinese transformation of Avalokiteśvara
By: Chün-fang Yü.
Series: IASWR series
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 2001
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 640
Subjects: Avalokiteśvara (Buddhist deity)
Description: By far one of the most important objects of worship in the Buddhist traditions, the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is regarded as the embodiment of compassion. He has been widely revered throughout the Buddhist countries of Asia since the early centuries of the Common Era. While he was closely identified with the royalty in South and Southeast Asia, and the Tibetans continue to this day to view the Dalai Lamas as his incarnations, in China he became a she-Kuan-yin, the ""Goddess of Mercy""--And has a very different history. The causes and processes of this metamorphosis have perplexed Buddhis.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [555]-593) and index.