Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion

by Sandy Boucher

In this lovely illustrated volume, the author recounts stories of the goddes Kwan Yin, a bodhisattva (one who delays her own full enlightenment to work for the liberation of all beings), and explains Kwan Yin's role in Buddhism. At the same time, Boucher provides meditations, chants, and prayers devised by the Buddhist devotees of Asian and Western heritage so that all readers can participate in and even create their own rituals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Buddhism, Religion, Womens Studies

132 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 1999

Reviews

[Lauren Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. A light, easy introduction to Kuan Yin, bodhisattva/goddess of compassion. As other reviewers mentioned, this is a "women's spirituality" book rather than a religious or historical account. The author does share some cultural context, mythology, and folklore. Mostly she shares her personal experiences and speaks to a wide range of women about their relationship to Kuan Yin. Their connections vary, but all draw some comfort and peace from their relationship with her. The end of the book has a small section with some simple practices for connecting with Kuan Yin. A lovely, gentle read.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a women's spirituality book rather than a Buddhism book, if you know what I mean.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written for the lay person/non Buddhist. Loved it. She is the Virgin Mary of Buddhism.

[Gabrielle Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovering Kwan Yin is a warm entry into her essence. Her name translates: She who hears the cries of the world. I was introduced to her as I was leaving the world of Christianity. What a comforting name! Boucher tells many stories of Kwan Yin throughout the centuries, yet her essence is always the same - compassion. There are theories that Mary the Mother manifests Kwan Yin. There are stories of Kwan Yin the prostitute. She is here for everyone. Boucher's book is well written, well documented, and a gift.

[Danie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting in that it illustrated how Kwan Yin touches the lives of different contemporary women, but in that I felt the people chosen leaned too far towards the psychic realm... I expected accounts from monastics, and appreciated the stories that connected women to the traditional form of veneration, but what about the average American woman who venerates Kwan Yin? These portraits were mostly of unique women who incorporated Kwan Yin into a pantheon of other great women, like Mary, or replaced the worship of a male godhead. Where does Kwan Yin stand on her own in the West? It certainly wasn't what I expected, and as others have noted it falls more along the lines of spirituality than Buddhism. It is an enjoyable read though, as it is written well, and the stories flow into one another.

[Hippymomma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting although a bit fluffy...mostly snippits of stories of the personal practices of women who venerate Kwan Yin. Very Pagan oriented. A few nice suggestions of things to do to add to your practice. NOT really a buddhist book - more pagan.

[Cade · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not the book I thought it was. Not an academic or even truly Buddhist treatment of Kwan Yin.

[Barbara Rhine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a practicing Buddhist, and I have long admired the lovely statues of Kwan Yin, seated in relaxed posture as her beauty pours forth in her description as "Goddess of Mercy. Well, it turns out there is so much more to her than that. Various names from various Asian cultures. Many devotional rituals, primarily among women, who have long worshipped her for all they believe she gives them. And an influence that is now spreading through the Western Buddhist world on both coasts of the United States. Sandy Boucher, from Oakland (though now living in Tucscon) is a lesbian political activist who is also a practicing Buddhist, much more knowledgeable about religious detail than I. I found the book a bit esoteric, and by the time I got to the detailed chants and songs in the back, I had realized to at least right now, my practice is not going to take in the Goddess of Mercy on a daily basis. Nonetheless, I learned a lot and found this slim volume readable, with its various stories of how Kwan Yin has enchanted various women right here in Northern California. If the subject matter interests you, this book is worth reading.

[Thubten Palmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was primarily a collection of interviews from women who incorporate Guanyin into their practice, but a lot of them aren't Buddhist and can't really be said to have a practice, they're mostly "new age" types who compare her to the virgin Mary. Why not just worship Mary then? The parts that actually talk about the history of Guanyin and how she exists in various buddhist traditions were the strongest, I wish the book was focused on that. To be frank, only one or two of these personal stories felt illuminating

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it did not disappoint. It was short and easy to read. I appreciated reading about the different encounters that women around the world had with Kuan Yin. How each story held similar notes of compassion, yet each story was so vastly different from the other. Each person’s approach to Kuan Yin gives you the reader a new way to connect to her. Learning about Kuan Yin’s connection to Mt. Shasta from the early 1980’s was interesting too. This is a great book to pick up if you want to get to know Kuan Yin. It is gentle and compassionate just like she is.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning through this book about the goddess Kwan Yin from a variety of perspectives. I had been gifted this for my birthday years ago by a friend who has since departed. I was recently called back to the book and have both devoured and savored it for the beauty of stories from the past and present. Grateful to have a link to the rich history and deep compassion Kwan Lin represents.

[Edison G.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very devotional book. This is not a hard science or historical research book. Many reviews seem to expect that. So be warned that this book is devotional, clearly a personal experience of the author, and deeply moving and loving.

[Mary Tuohy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a subject that is sum what new to me. I look forward to reading more like this.

[Crisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book to understand the energy of Kwan Yin and how it resonates in other women’s lives. There are some interesting stories throughout the book and practices at the end.

[James Crawford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kwan Yin is the Buddhist goddess of compassion, and this book talks about her history and gives examples of how people relate to her.

One of the odd things is that this particular goddess started out as a male god and, over time, underwent a cultural shift to becoming a goddess. Her name means 'She who hearkens to the cries of the world.' She represents compassion, love, hope, transformation and service.

The book also does not present an always positive view of Kwan Yin, as it notes that Asian-American women in today's world may turn away from Kwan Yin since she is associated with 'self-sacrifice,' in the general tradition of the role of women in older Chinese culture. This can be a turn-off to many of today's women.

There's also one belief I find rather yucky. You take a statue of Kwan Yin with a removable hand. You petition the goddess for something, take one of her hands off and hide it somewhere. Kwan Yin will be upset about losing her hand and will grant the request, after which you return the hand.

Basically, the person is blackmailing a goddess into doing their bidding and that is not something I think is respectful at all.

If a person were looking for a goddess they would want to work with, this is not the type of book that would attract people to Kwan Yin, in my opinion.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kwan Yin came to me in a vision as I lay, desperately ill, in my Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor's office. She was accompanied by Mary Magdalene and White Tara. They stood around me and Kwan Yin gave me knowledge about TCM and Earth that I hope to retrieve, in full, some day soon. Feeling myself in the care of these Awakened Ones, I recovered from the illness to become a completely new version of myself.

At the time, my knowledge of Kwan Yin was that she is the Chinese goddess of compassion. That's all, until I came across this book by Sandy Boucher. I greatly appreciate the history and multicultural perspectives presented here and the stories of contemporary encounters with Kwan Yin. The bibliography is very helpful for expanding or deepening knowledge of Kwan Yin. Best of all, the fourth section on "Meditations, Songs, and Practices" is a treasure chest for someone wishing to open to Kwan Yin energy daily. I'm very grateful for this book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book by Sandy Boucher contains both historic and spiritually significant information about Kwan Yin (Kuan Yin, Quan Yin). Illustrations are in black and white. A nice biography including both books and articles about Kuan Yin is included. Published by Beacon Press in Boston, 1999, it is likely that this book is out of print and not easy to find. It isn't listed on amazon.com or on this site. Well worth the search and the read. Highly recommended for hard to find info on Kuan Yin.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My women's spirituality group read this & I wasn't something I was looking forward to. But once I got into it, I found it fascinating. And, like a couple of the other women in the group, I started seeing Kwan Yin everywhere. It really opened my eyes and helped me on my path to feminist spirituality.

[Karmacali · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting read...very much had an impact upon me. Compilation of interviews by the author, Sandy Boucher, as well as teachings about Kwan Yin, daily meditations, chants and prayers. Take the information in this book and use it as you will...it may very well mean something different to everyone.

[Tess Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came to me years ago, but I started reading it this past week, when I really needed her healing power and energy. For those wondering about Kwan Yin and her manifestations, the book provided an interesting look at the way women of different religious backgrounds manage to incorporate her into their lives. It helped me to find some peace when I needed it.

[Mamafeelgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book that I have shared with many women.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has great stories and I would have liked more depth.

[T J · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to know Kwan Yin or more about her origins, this a good book to read. Peoples stories of their encounters with the goddess are very intriguing and heartfelt. I enjoyed it very much.

[Michaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light.