觀世音

(觀世音, 观世音)

Regarder of the world's sounds, or cries, the so-called Goddess of Mercy; also known as [lang id =1028]觀音; [lang id =1028]觀世音善薩; [lang id =1028]觀自在 ([lang id =1028]觀世自在); [lang id =1028]觀尹; [lang id =1028]光世音 (the last being the older form). Avalokiteśvara, v. [lang id =1028]阿 8. Originally represented as a male, the images are now generally those of a female figure. The meaning of the term is in doubt; it is intp. as above, but the term [lang id =1028]觀自在 ([lang id =1028]觀世自在) accords with the idea of Sovereign Regarder and is not associated with sounds or cries. Guanyin is one of the triad of Amida, is represented on his left, and is also represented as crowned with Amida; but there are as many as thirty-three different forms of Guanyin, sometimes with a bird, a vase, a willow wand, a pearl, a 'thousand' eyes and hands, etc., and, when as bestower of children, carrying a child. The island of Putuo (Potala) is the chief centre of Guanyin worship, where she is the protector of all in distress, especially of those who go to sea. There are many (sa) sūtras, etc., devoted to the cult, but its provenance and the date of its introduction to China are still in doubt. Chapter 25 of the <Lotus Sūtra> is devoted to Guanyin, and is the principal scripture of the cult; its date is uncertain. Guanyin is sometimes confounded with Amitābha and Maitreya. She is said to be the daughter of king Śubhavyūha [lang id =1028]妙莊王, who had her killed by 'stifling because the sword of the executioner broke without hurting her. Her spirit went to hell; but hell changed into paradise. Yama sent her back to life to save his hell, when she was miraculously transported on a Lotus flower to the island of Poo-too'. Eitel.

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簡稱觀音， 菩薩名， 因此菩薩時常觀察世人稱念他的名號或痛苦的聲音而去垂救， 故名。