BODHISATTVA KUAN-IM

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Bodhisattva is a being who is dedicated to assisting all sentient beings in achieving complete Buddhahood. Conventionally, the term is applied to hypothetical beings with a high degree of enlightenment. Bodhisattva literally means 'enlightenment ('bodhi') truth ('sattva') in Sankrit.

In Theradava Buddhism, the bodhisattva is seen as seeking enlightenment so that, once awakened, he may efficiently aid other beings with the expertise of supreme wisdom.Gautama Buddha's previous life experience as a bodhisattva before Buddhahood are recorded in the texts of the Jataka . Lay Buddhists of Theravada seek inspiration in Gautama's skill as a good layman in these texts, which account not only his historical life, but many previous lives. When Gautama Buddha referred to himself in his pre-Buddha existence, he spoke in terms of "when I was still a Bodhisattva". The only currently active bodhisattva described in thePali Canon is the future Buddha Maitreya (Pali: : Metteyya). The Theravada tradition, i.e., the Pali Canon, speaks of no other bodhisattvas than these.

While the Bodhisattva path is recognized in Theravada Buddhism, it is not seen as a path to be recommended for everyone because of its difficulty and the long time it takes to achieve. The great majority of people are seen to be most fit to practice for enlightenment in this life, as a Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami or Arahant. The option is left open for people to aspire to achieve Paccekabuddhahood or Sammasambuddhahood in a future life, which (according to Theravada doctrine) would mean that suffering would not be extinguished for another 'unmeasurable' period of time (many aeons). The path of the Bodhisattva is not taught in the Pali Canon, possibly because part of becoming a Buddha is discovering this path for oneself.

In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva has the compassionate determination to aid all beings on their quest for the highest state of development, full enlightenment of a Buddha. This type of motivation is known as bodhicitta ('citta' means mind). Remaining in this world of uncontrolled rebirth, the Bodhisattva has taken the bodhisattva vow to achieve Buddhahood as quickly as possible and thereby be most able to teach Dhamma until all beings have likewise achieved enlightenment. Another common conception of the Bodhisattva is one who delays his own final and complete enlightenment in order to save all sentient beings out of his enormous compassion. He is on a mission to liberate all sentient beings, and only then will he rest and complete his own enlightenment. In brief, simply imagine the Bodhisattva as saying, "If I know how to swim, and even one other being cannot, then it is right to remain behind in this world to assist them until they know how to save themselves from drowning".

Kuan Yin is the bodhisattva of compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists, usually a female. She is known as the Chinese Goddess of Compassion by many. Kuan Yin originated as the Sankrit Avalokitesvara, which is her male form. Kuan Yin means "Observing the Sounds of the World".

Kuan Yin is the Chinese name for the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Avalokitesvara was originally depicted as Buddha when he was still a prince. However, in China, Kuan Yin is usually depicted as a woman.

In China, Kuan Yin is usually shown in a white flowing robe, and usally wearing necklaces of Indian/Chinese royalty. In her right hand is a water jar containing pure water, and in the left, a willow branch. The crown usually depicts the image of Amitabha Buddha, Kuan Yin's spiritual teacher before she became a Bodhisattva.

Kuan Yin is often depited either alone, standing atop a dragon, accompanied by a bird, flanked by two children. The two children are her assistants who came to her when she was meditating at Mount Putuo. The girl is call Long Nu and the boy Shan Tsai.