Term paper on The Analysis of Buddhist Artifacts

White-robed Guanyin in a landscape (early 14th century Yuan period)

White-robbed Guanyin in a landscape, dated back to the early 14th century Yuan period, represents a divine image of a Chinese young man who is surrounded by a moon-like halo. He is seated in contemplation in some cave near the swelling waters of the ocean. However, this figure has more female attributes than the previous one. The long white cape is one of the female attributes. It means that the image of Guanyin is in the process of transformation. One of the peculiar things that makes this Guanyin special is that he wears white dress which symbolizes purity. The landscape depicted in this picture is considered to be the spiritual home of Guanyin which is located on some sacred island in India, Mount Putuo. This painting is made on silk by means of ink and pigment.

Tibeto-Chinese Avalokiteshvara (17th to 18th century Qing period)

Tibeto-Chinese Avalokiteshvara which is related to 17th-18th century, Qing period, is one of the most impressive statues of Guanyin in China. It is made of gilt brose, semi-precious stone, and covered with pigment. It is known that Avalokiteshvara is worshiped in Tibet as the Lord of compassion. The legend says that Avalokiteshvara “beheld all the sufferings of the world and his feeling of compassion made his head burst into several heads”.

One can find also thousand arms and hands, which are known as helping arms and hands, as they help worshipers to get rid of troubles, diseases, and sufferings. Moreover, each palm has an eye of infinite vision which is ready to help everybody who is in danger. The top head is the head of Buddha Amitabha, the father of Avalokiteshvara. This statue was used in religious purposes, and it symbolized compassion. (Tom 31)

TRANSFORMATION OF GUANYIN IN GENDER, ICONOGRAPHY, AND ROLES

It is known that the first transformations of Guanyin are connected with fundamental gender changes which showed feminine forms. Different forms represented different roles, identities and iconographies. Most of images were connected with religion. It is known that by the 16th century, Guanyin became completely feminine. It is interesting to notice that some researchers found a lot of similarities between Guanyin and the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. (Naguin & Vu 12)

The Buddhist figure of Guadyin can appear in different forms because Guadyin helps everybody and in any situation no matter male or female, rich or poor asks for help. Besides the above mentioned forms of Guatyin, one can find Water-Moon Guanyin, Child-Giving Guanyin, Fish Basket Guanyin and Thousand-eyed Guanyin. The Sanskrit name of Avalokitesvara means “he who observes and inquiries into the sounds of the world”. It means that the help is given to everybody who cries and suffers. Transformation in iconographies shows different attributes on the head of the Guanyin. It means that Guanyin can play different roles. (McArthur 19)

Different representations of Avalokitesvara varied across time and space because there were certain changes in the minds of people. Moreover, the Chinese methodology included not only male gods, but also female divinities. Besides the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin, there were three more famous divinities: the mother goddess Nuwa, the Queen mother of the west Xiwangmu, and the Empress of Heaven Tianhou. It is also known that Guanyin was not only a religious symbol of Buddhism, but she became a famous cultural heroine. The image feminine deity proved the fact that woman should take equal position in society where men dominate. (Tom 25)

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is necessary to say that the bodhisattva Guanyin is considered to be the most popular divine image which grants relief from sufferings and compassion. As a deity, Guanyin has great power and is shown both with male and female characteristics. However, the last images of Guanyin have fully female attributes. Some experts consider that the attributes of both genders prove that Guanyin has the ability of assuming whatever form required in this or that situation in order to relieve sufferings. Each form of Guanuin shows his compassion and mercy.



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