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Kuan Yin Statues
Kuan Yin Statues can be made of different materials, such as wood, metal, porcelain, resin, and stone. Generally metal statues of Kuan Yin are made of bronze and have a deep patina, giving them an antique look. Brass and bronze allow for greater statue details. And wood Kuan Yin statues are carved by hand and have a soft appearance; they would make a great feng shui statue.
But the most popular are the Black Stone Kuan Yin statues, which are popular as both indoor and outdoor statues. Many people ask about the correct spelling of Kuan Yin, and we have to admit we have seen it spelled as Kwan Yin (with a W instead of a U) or as Quan Yin, but either way she is known as the Goddess of Compassion, and she is one of the most popular goddesses in Asia. We have more information about the Buddha Kuan Yin below.
What Does Kuan Yin's Name Mean?
Her name is usually translated as The One who Hears the Cries of the World. She has a counterpart in Tibetan Buddhism known commonly as Avalokiteswara, even though that Bodhisattva is a male, while Kuan Yin is a female.
What Does She Represent
Compassion is what people call upon Kuan Yin for, and she dispenses it through the vase that she is seen holding in most statues. Kuan Yin is also a patron saint of Sailors, so she might be seen on a lotus blossom (or tortoise) that is floating upon waves. She is also called upon by women (and men) who are childless. You may have already seen statues of her holding a baby, which are said to help fertility.
Symbols associated With Kuan Yin
Aside from the vase, she will sit upon a lotus blossom to symbolize purity. She is seen as having a thousand arms (so that she can reach out and help all corners of the world). In the palm of each hand, she will have an eye, which helps Kuan Yin look for souls who may be in trouble.
Placement in Your Home or Garden:
The Statues may be placed indoors and out, but should not be placed in low areas, such as bathrooms. If outdoors, near a willow tree would be an ideal location to place your statue.
How Is She Venerated
Incense is usually offered to statues of Kuan Yin. In Thailand, where I am from, we don't use the phrase Kuan Yin Temple, but instead say Saan Jao, so it means more like a Shrine to Kuan Yin.
Filling Water in Your Statue
You may know that some statues of the Bodhisattva Kuan Yin are hollow, and allow you to pour water into the Dragons' mouths at the base of the statue. Then you tilt the statue upside-down, and the water flows out of the vase Kuan Yin is holding.
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