China: Guanyin cave sculpture, Lingyun Shan (Towering Cloud Hill), Leshan, Sichuan Province

Guanyin is the bodhisattva associated with compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists, usually as a female. The name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin which means 'Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World'. She is also sometimes referred to as Guanyin Pusa.

In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened (bodhi) existence (sattva) or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, 'heroic-minded one (satva) for enlightenment (bodhi).' Another term is 'wisdom-being.' It is anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhicitta, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia