Meaning & story
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
The story of Avalokitesvara
Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva who embodies great compassion. The name means the one who hears the cries of the world: when beings in distress sincerely call the bodhisattva’s name, they are heard and helped. This vow is described in the Universal Gate chapter of the Lotus Sutra.
In Vietnam, Quan Am is woven deeply into spiritual life through stories such as Quan Am Thi Kinh and Quan Am of the Southern Sea. The bodhisattva is also one of the Three Saints of the West, standing beside Amitabha Buddha. Quan Am festivals fall on the nineteenth day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar months.
Meaning of the statue
A Quan Am statue is a symbol of compassion, tolerance and protection. Those who honour the bodhisattva wish for a peaceful household that can overcome hardship, and remind themselves to be kind and to listen to others.
Details of the figure
The bodhisattva is usually shown with a gentle face, holding a vase of nectar and a willow branch. The vase stands for cool, pure water that washes away worry, while the willow, soft yet resilient, suggests patience and helping others as circumstances allow.
Placement suggestions
The statue can be placed in a worship room, on a Buddhist altar or as part of a Three Saints set. Choose a calm, raised and clean place, and avoid facing a bathroom or the kitchen.
