Guanyin, also known as "Guanyin Bodhisattva" or "Guanyin Bodhisattva", is a symbol of compassion and wisdom in Buddhism. The Buddhist scriptures say that Guanyin is the manifestation of the past Dharma-Brightness Tathagata. In countless lands, he goes around searching for and saving people from suffering in the form of a bodhisattva.

Guanyin Bodhisattva has a broad and selfless compassion. When sentient beings encounter any difficulties and sufferings, if they can sincerely chant Guanyin Bodhisattva, they will receive the Bodhisattva's help. Moreover, Guanyin Bodhisattva is the most adaptable to the needs of sentient beings. He manifests different bodies and speaks different methods to different sentient beings.

It is said in the "Miao Xin Commentary on the Shurangama Sutra" that all the forms of Avalokitesvara in the world are the response bodies of Avalokitesvara and not his original form. There are thirty-three incarnations of Guanyin, and jade carvings of Guanyin are often based on these thirty-three incarnations.

The Thirty-three Manifestations of Avalokitesvara

Willow Guanyin, Dragon Head Guanyin, Sutra Holding Guanyin, Round Light Guanyin, Playful Guanyin, White-robed Guanyin, Lotus-lying Guanyin, Takimi Guanyin, Medicine-giving Guanyin, Fish Basket Guanyin, Virtue King Guanyin, Water-Moon Guanyin, One-leaf Guanyin, Blue-necked Guanyin, Mighty Guanyin, Life-extending Guanyin, All-treasure Guanyin, Rock House Guanyin, Nengjing Guanyin, Anuo Guanyin, Amodhi Guanyin, Leaf-clothed Guanyin, Glazed Guanyin, Tara-zun Guanyin, Clam Guanyin, Six-time Guanyin, Universal Compassion Guanyin, Malangfu Guanyin, Joining-hands Guanyin, One-like Guanyin, Not-and-Er Guanyin, Lotus-holding Guanyin, Water-sprinkling Guanyin.

The thirty-three incarnations mentioned above are distinguished according to the image of Guanyin and the objects he holds, and do not represent different methods respectively. Among the common jade carvings, the images of Guanyin are mostly willows, lotus flowers, boys, scriptures, etc., which can be roughly divided into:

Lotus Guanyin

The lotus is a sacred object in Buddhism, symbolizing purity, brightness and freedom. There are more than one type of lotus Guanyin. There is the sitting lotus Guanyin, in which Guanyin sits on a lotus throne; there is the holding lotus Guanyin, in which Guanyin holds an unbloomed lotus; and there are also the blooming lotuses carved beside Guanyin...

The Lotus Guanyin symbolizes holiness, tranquility, freedom and ease, and also symbolizes being blessed by Guanyin and having everything be peaceful.

Guanyin with Pure Bottle

The Pure Vase Guanyin is also known as the Holy Guanyin, the Willow Guanyin, the Sprinkling Guanyin or the Dripping Guanyin. He holds a clean bottle in one hand, or as if pouring water; with the other hand he makes a Dharma seal or holds a willow branch, and sits on a rock. According to legend, the pure bottle is filled with nectar, and Guanyin holds a willow branch in her hand and sprinkles the nectar in the bottle onto the earth, which has the auspicious meaning of saving all living beings, curing diseases and disasters, and relieving the suffering of the living.

It is said in Buddhism that the compassionate Willow Guanyin has pity on those who are drowning and saves them from suffering. He enters into all realms and manifests himself constantly, enabling people to escape from the cycle of reincarnation and transcend the mundane world.

Yuanguang Guanyin

Guanyin holds her hands together, sitting or standing solemnly on a lotus platform, holding a jewel in her arms, with a circle of flaming light behind her. The clasped hands represent that Guanyin cares for all living beings and has compassion for the world. The circle of flame represents that Guanyin is pure and holy, has boundless power, and is willing to resolve all suffering of all living beings and realize their good wishes.

Guanyin

Also known as the Boy Guanyin, it is often depicted in carvings as a boy and Guanyin, with the boy bowing down to worship Guanyin, or Guanyin sitting upright with the boy in her arms, implying the addition of children, more blessings, and a long line of descendants. Guanyin has a peaceful expression and a feminine and gentle posture. She is full of love for all things in the world and brings peace, health and happiness to people.

The thirty-three incarnations of Guanyin recorded in Buddhist scriptures were mostly created in accordance with folk sayings. Most of them have corresponding allusions and origins, and their meanings are similar. In general, the Jade Guanyin has a gentle heart, dignified manners, a deep understanding of worldly affairs, and is able to always keep people safe. She can eliminate disasters and difficulties, stay away from harm, and save all living beings with great compassion. She is the embodiment of saving people from suffering.

As for the sacred objects such as lotus, pure bottle, willow, scriptures, and different postures of Guanyin, we can choose according to our own preferences and needs when purchasing jade Guanyin.

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