Known as one of the "four great Bodhisattva " (Shambala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen, 119) of Buddhism, Kuan-Yin is an important element of Vietnamese Buddhism. Ever-present in temples and iconography, she is venerated throughout Asia.Known as one of the "four great Bodhisattva " (Shambala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen, 119) of Buddhism, Kuan-Yin is an important element of Vietnamese Buddhism. Ever-present in temples and iconography, she is venerated throughout Asia.
In China she is known as Avalokiteshvara who is often depicted as a thousand armed, thousand eyed Bodhisattva. In this interpretation Kuan-Yin is depicted as a male. The feminization of her features addition of maternal inferences is attributed to Taoist influences. In Tibet Kuan-Yin is known as Chenrezi, who is literally manifested in the person of the Dalai Lama.
Kuan-Yin's figure can be found in many important Buddhist monuments in Vietnam: Marble Mountain, Pagodas, and shrines. Like many other Bodhisattvas, Kuan-Yin is seen as an important teacher of Dharma.
In Vietnam specifically Kuan-Yin is the patron of barren mothers and protects in times of natural disasters. Often the patron of those whose lives depend on the elements, she is often seen in the shrines of farmers and fishermen.
