Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is one of the most revered bodhisattvas in Buddhism. His compassion and wisdom have brought hope and comfort to countless beings. But, We should call her Avalokitesvara or Guanyin? What is the difference between Avalokitesvara and Avalokiteshvara?
Avalokitesvara or Guanyin?
Sanskrit Avalokitesvara
The name Sanskrit Avalokitesvara first appeared in Chinese Buddhist scriptures, an （guān yīn）is the transliteration of Sanskrit Avalokitesvara. Guanyin Bodhisattva is the abbreviation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Avalokitesvara means “the Bodhisattva who listens to the sounds of the world,” that is, he can hear the cries and sufferings of all living beings and thus save them. The image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is constantly changing, sometimes male, sometimes female, sometimes neutral, sometimes with multiple heads and hands, and sometimes with different appearances and titles. The image and name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva have changed due to the spread of Buddhism. For instance, in Japan, he is called Kannon, in Tibetan Buddhism, he is called Chenrezig, and in Indonesia, he is called Kwan Im.
Sanskrit Avalokiteshvara
The name Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit corresponds to Guanshiyin (guān shì yīn). Avalokiteshvara means “the Bodhisattva who watches over the Lord of the World.” He can not only hear the voices of living beings but also see their minds and nature, providing education and guidance. In China, the image of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is essentially the same as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and the Guanyin Bodhisattva is the abbreviated form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva changed over time as Buddhism evolved. For instance, in Mahayana Buddhism, he is referred to as Mahakaruna, meaning “Great Compassion,” and in Tantra, he is referred to as Padmapani, meaning “Lotus Holder.
The embodiment of compassion and wisdom
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is a multi-faceted Bodhisattva who has different names and images, but his essence is the same, which is compassion and wisdom. Whether it is Guanyin (guān yīn) or Guanyin (guān shì yīn), they are different aspects and manifestations of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. They are all different methods and means displayed for the benefit of all sentient beings.
With guanyin in mind
As followers of Buddhism, we should respect and trust all the names and images of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Like Guanyin Bodhisattva, we should have compassion in our hearts, With Guanyin Pusa in my heart, help others when they need it, give more, do good deeds, and release more animal lives. By doing so, we can increase our confidence, wisdom, and purify our souls, and rise early to be reborn in Western Paradise.
