May
- Kuan Yin Goddess of Compassion
Kuan Yin, revered throughout
Asia for thousands of years, is the Chinese goddess
of infinite mercy and compassion. Her name means "she
who listens to the sounds (suffering) of the world."
In the Buddhist tradition, she
is an aspect of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva who
sprang from one of the Buddha's tears. She once took
the form of Miao Shan, a woman who was spurned by
her father for refusing to marry. Later Miao Shan
sacrificed both arms and legs in order to heal her
father. Her appeal is particularly widespread because
she gives assistance in this world. She provides the
earthly blessings of children, health, and long life
and rescues people from drowning, lightning, and poverty.
She is particularly a protector of women.
Kuan Yin is a symbol of the unlimited
compassion each of us can have for ourselves. No matter
what the situation, it is possible to treat ourselves
with mercy and love.
Text by Michael Babcock from GODDESS
KNOWLEDGE CARDS, Susan Eleanor Boulet Trust. Text
by Michael Babcock. Published by Pomegranate, Box
6099, Rohnert Park, California 94927
June Sedna
Inuit Goddess of the Sea
July Persephone
Queen of Souls
September Yemaya Goddess
of surrender
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