I made my first visit to the Far East in 1966. If there is such a thing as a past life, I discovered it there. There are several events that have stuck with me for the past 50-plus years to validate those happenings.
One of those uncanny situations revolved around statues in various forms throughout my travels. It wasn’t until years later when I moved to Hawaii, that I discovered the significance of Kwan Yin (Guan Yin, Quan Yin) in all her various poses.
I am not of the Buddhist faith, but there are elements that I find valuable and incorporate into my own faith.
I offer you Kwan Yin, the goddess of compassion, a bodhisattva who continues to teach me more about being a spiritual female.
I am a retired United Methodist minister who uses meditation in several forms. So I feel free to let Kwan Yin guide me in my inner evaluations.
When I need to hear it, she reminds me to be compassionate with myself as well as others.
She reassures me that unconditional love, what we preachers call “Grace” is for all people, including myself.
She is a constant reminder that the blessings of human kindness, or Mitzvah, connect us all.
Most of all, she reveals the feminine face of God, and allows me to experience my faith in ways that are more meaningful in my life, ways that are real.
As I travel throughout the world, it is hard to forget that we are all One, all needing that touch of human kindness and compassion that Kwan Yin offers.
A hui hou!
Lovely photos. I’ve also been inspired by Kwan Yin in many ways.
It was difficult to choose which of the photos I wanted to use in this post. Every time I see another statue of her, I take a picture 🙂 Thanks for commenting on this.
Aloha,
Lucy
There was a Chinese temple in Lytton B.C. Canada 1882-1928 dedicated to Kwan Yin. The monks of Lions Gate Buddhist Priory hold a Kwan Yin ceremony for peace and healing every year on the old temple site.
Thank you for sharing that. Where is Lions Gate Buddhist Priory? We have the Wood Valley Temple and Retreat Center near me on the Big Island of Hawaii. I need to see if they also hold a ceremony for peace and healing.
Link to YouTube video of Kwan Yin ceremony in Lytton B.C. on June 22, 2014:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNPIcu5giJw&feature=youtu.be
Wow! Thank you so much!!