Quan Yin Statue Symbols
The
vase of pure water, sometimes shown pouring water, is one of the Eight
Symbols of Good Fortune in Chinese culture. The vase contains pure water
capable of relieving suffering and sickness. The
vase held by the goddess contains divine water. Often, statues depict a
stream of water or ‘Water of Life’ being poured down from a vase. This
water has the power to eliminate the sufferings of the poor, and is
believed to be the water of creation. It can free human bodies and minds
from any defilement. The sacred dew drops act as an elixir for the
miserable.
The
abhaya gesture shows the Buddha with its hand raised, the palm facing
outwards and the fingers upwards. The mudra is the gesture of
fearlessness.
Kuan Yin is the most well-known goddess in the Chinese population.
Her name means “One who hears the cries of the world”. She is the Protector of Women and Children.
She is probably the most valued and honored of all the gods among the Chinese.
This goddess also goes by the names Kwan Yin, Guanyin, Quan Am in Vietnam, Kwan Eim in Thailand, and Kwan Um in Korea.