One look at her soft features is sufficient to convince anyone that Guan Yin is filled with compassion for all beings. No wonder she is popularly known as the Goddess of Mercy.
We see various depictions of her in the mass media but the one consistent element is her immense compassion for all. Although originally a Buddhist bodhisattva called Avalokitesvara, she is worshipped and revered by various people, including some Taoists and Hindus. She does not preach or instruct but merely seeks to assist. Looking at the crowds praying at her temples, she is certainly a popular Buddhist deity.
In this book, the author Koh Kok Kiang delves into Guan Yin's origins and history, and also brings to light some little known facts about her. For instance, did you know that Guan Yin actually started out as a male bodhisattva? Or that there are 33 forms of the deity? A special appeal of this book is the illustrations of some of her stories, providing a pleasing visual respite for the eye.
The Heart Sutra
Only 260 Chinese characters in length, The Heart Sutra is as deep and complex as it is short. Enjoy Buddhism's most profound wisdom in a nutshell, complete with English test and Chinese characters, portrayed by leading illustrator Patrick Yee.
