The Chinese lotus deity is one of the most popular gods of the East. Thousands of temples and shrines are dedicated to the goddess, often called the lotus of mercy. The lotus deity can be seen in many forms. In one popular myth, a young scholar wrote a poem in which he wished the statue was a human. The young scholar’s sincerity moved the goddess. In response, the goddess decided to shadow the young scholar. However, the goddess knows that a human cannot marry a goddess.
Songzi Guanyin
The Chinese lotus deity Songzi Guanyin is the giver of children and the dispenser of fecundity. She was an important figure to women in ancient times, particularly during childbearing and isolation. She was credited with protecting both unborn children and women during childbirth. Over the centuries, she has gained more importance in Chinese mythology and culture.
Guanyin is a fair, middle-aged woman wearing a white robe in Chinese tradition. She is depicted holding a pearl in her right hand. Her eyes are downcast, but her smile is gentle. She wears large ornate earrings on her earlobes. Her headdress is covered with a cowl and is adorned with the tiara of the Amitabha Buddha.
There are several prominent temples dedicated to Guanyin throughout East Asia. The deity is known to have an abode on Mount Potalaka in India. In Japan, Guanyin is revered at Fudarakusan-Ji, while in Tibet, she is venerated at the Potala Palace.
Three pilgrimage circuits span one hundred sites. Following the pilgrimage’s order, the deity is said to protect believers from hell and open the doorway to everlasting life. These circuits have their scriptural basis in the Lotus Sutra. The Creator is recommended to be viewed in a temple before visiting other shrines.
The Chinese lotus deity is Garuda, birdman, or Bato Kannon. These 33 deities were presented to the Shogun Yoshimasa of Japan during his rule from 1449-1471 AD. They were all included in the 25th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, but this chapter is often treated as an independent text. The chapter is called Kanzeon Bosatsu Fumon Bon Shi Sa Pu Men Pin and contains the lotus deity’s primary forms.
Songzi Niangniang
The lotus flower is an ancient Chinese symbol of creation and rebirth. It grows from muddy waters and spreads out its petals on the surface. The lotus is a harbinger of the world’s fertility as the sun rises daily. At the beginning of time, the sun was born from a giant lotus that rose from the watery chaos.
During the tenth century, the lotus became an essential subject of Chinese painting. Paintings of the lotus outnumbered other issues in imperial collections. It is often depicted during its peak bloom. The lotus is distinguished by its gentle gradation of colors. Its curled leaves have a lighter green underside.
The Chinese lotus deity Songzi Niangning is related to the Chinese goddess of fertility, Guanyin. Often depicted as a young white-robed woman, she is also invoked in prayers for children. The image of the Songzi Niangniang is similar to the Madonna with Child, which is why European travelers have compared her to the Madonna with Child. In the end, the Chinese lotus deity is a syncretized figure of Taoism and folk religion.
Despite her great appearance, the lotus deity is depicted with an expansive form, signifying her capacity to nourish and sustain life. She has no overt sexual qualities but possesses feminine attributes and a curvy body. Her flowing robes emphasize her shapely form, while rich vegetative motives frame her.
The Chinese lotus deity Songzi Niangning symbolizes love and compassion and is often depicted as a mother or child. She is also associated with numerous scriptures and miracle stories. Initially, she was a male deity, but later, her image changed to a female one during the Song dynasty.
Guanyin is a powerful spiritual being and has many powerful attributes. Buddhists revere her for her miraculous powers. She is often described as the “most beloved Buddhist Divinity” and is mentioned in the Lotus Sutra and the Karandavyuha Sutra. A shrine dedicated to Guanyin may even be the oldest one in Putuohan.
Many Chinese religious texts refer to Guanyin as an immortal goddess. She is also referred to as an enlightened maiden. The goddess Guanyin, or Xingyin, is often worshipped in Chinese communities throughout Asia. In addition to Guanyin, her name is also ascribed to a female deity: Chang Zhenren.
Miaoshan
The story of the Chinese lotus deity Miaosan is a fascinating one. The god was born to a king and was later transformed into a thousand-armed goddess. The king, his queen, and two sisters built a temple in her honor. The goddess was on her way to heaven when she returned to Earth.
According to legend, Miao Shan’s father allowed her to work in the temple, but the monks kept demanding she works day and night. The animals that lived near the temple helped her with her daily duties. Miaoshan put out the flames barefoot when her father attempted to burn down the temple. She was subsequently ordered to be killed by King Zhuang.
The Chinese lotus deity is often depicted in beautiful white robes, holding a vase of water or a willow branch. The Creator is also often represented on a lotus flower, a cloud, or even the back of a dragon. She is often accompanied by the dragons Shancai and Long.
The Chinese lotus deity has many different forms. One of her most famous forms is the White-robed Guanyin. According to the Lotus Sutra, Guanyin appears in many states to save sentient beings. Her many personifications represent the passion and power of a bodhisattva.
Other forms of Guanyin are also known. Some of these are the Divine Hero, Cundi Guanyin, and the Eleven-Headed Guanyin. These incarnations of Guanyin correspond to the human, deva, and animal realms. Guanyin is the protector of the poor and those in trouble. Some even see her as the goddess of fortune.
The Guanyin goddess is a popular figure in Chinese folk religion. She is revered in many Chinese communities in East and Southeast Asia. According to the Taoist records, she is also said to have been immortal. In ancient China, Guanyin was worshipped for her benevolence, kindness, and mercy.
