West Meets East©

Who is Kuan Yin the Immortal?

Think of enlightenment in the highest form. Close your eyes and listen with your heart. Slowly feel a glowing light expand inside your being, somewhere within. It can’t be seen, heard or touched, but you know “it” is there. Some call it God. Some say “it” is energy, while others say it is both. I have struggled most of my life to put a name to this source, which not only keeps humans alive, but with purpose. The creator of this energy or Chi, called the breath of life, has many forms. Some spiritual masters explain this mass as continual spirals of invisible golden bands of light, spinning upward, downward, outward and inward. While I am not here to explain what this might be, I have felt this warm, brilliant God light swirl through my body during meditation. I have also felt “it” without trying, feeling as if I have been hugged by angels.

It doesn’t matter what your belief is about these things, as enlightenment transcends judgment and teaches us compassion. Those seeking peace and harmony like to gaze upon pictures or statues in private “closets” or altars in the home. My personal choices are Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Buddha and Kuan Yin, which is short for Kuan Shih Yin. In East Asian cultures, Kuan Yin is sometimes compared to the Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, as an act of syncretism, some Chinese have identified Kwan Yin with the Virgin Mary. This very ancient deity is also known as Guan Yin, Kwan Yin, Quan Yin, and Kannon or Kwannon by the Japanese. She is reverenced by Chinese Taoists as an Immortal, and her devotion for all beings is to observe the sounds of the world, remove suffering and especially bless and protect women and children. Eastern countries have added many distinctive characteristics and legends. Kuan Yin is usually depicted as a woman, while other times as a man. There are volumes to study about Kuan Yin; if you are interested, check out the Internet. Please read more to understand the depth of her compassion of those suffering in any form.

When visiting China I went to Mount Putuo, mountain of Guanyin, known as “The Goddess of Mercy.” On the Peak of Longwui stands a 33m (9 stores high?) bronze and gold statue erected in 1997. Millions of pilgrims, including the Dalai Lama, have since made the journey to see the statue, which is visible by boat far from the island. You can visit my website www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on travelogue to see a picture of my teacher Master Lin Yun at this site. I will never forget the “feel” and blessings of this place. It is next to the sea, and there are stairs down to a sacred cave by the water and cliffs.

Long before my visit to China and Taiwan, I had become enchanted by the many different statue versions of this Buddha. Next to the many Virgin Mary’s, I have added a red antique enameled Kuan Yin, a glowing purple version, brass ones and glass ones. In some versions she is holding children and in others floating above the water on a sacred water dragon. When I had a Feng Shui Store in Benicia a few years ago, I was able to collect many, many lovely items and images. You can carry small Kuan Yin’s in your pocket or purse to bless and protect while traveling or going to court. Necklaces and bracelets in jade (for protection) are also plentiful, while rugs and blankets are another way to use Guan Yin’s energy to fill any space. I have one by my grandchildren’s bed along with The Virgin Mary’s statue. At Master Lin’s request, I painted my version of Kuan Yin. The original painting can be seen at the Yun Lin Culture Center in Berkeley, California, and there is a visual at my website under paintings and greeting cards.

I invite anyone who wants to feel the energy of The Six True Words, or universal prayer, Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum, to add several versions of Kuan Yin to their surroundings. Add candles or lights and a large mirror to double and reflect the Chi of this special altar, which will bring the light of God to your home. If you need special blessings for your Career, love life, children, family members, better health or money problems, please contact me for the best placement of your Kuan Yin or several Kuan Yins.

Join us for a lifetime experience in China with James Jay, September 21, 2009. The tour is filling up quickly! Email me at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com for details!

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State and is an experienced Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art, private mentoring for serious student, lectures, does book illustrations, art demonstrations for Daniel Smiths Art Supplies and writes a weekly newspaper column for the Benicia Herald in California and other publications. Call (360) 424-1501 for her availability for speaking, teaching and consultations in the U.S. and abroad, or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com. Visit her websites: www.fengshuiartistry.com to view her special Feng Shui artwork designed especially for cures and corrections and enhancements of the 5 Elements (some for sale) and www.moongateschool.com for West Meets East archives.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.