Guanshiyin or Avalokitesvara is the bodhisattva associated with compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists; usually as a female. The name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin which means 'Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World'. Some Buddhists believe that when one of their adherents departs from this world; they are placed by Guanyin in the heart of a lotus then sent home to the western pure land of Sukhavati. It is generally accepted (in the Chinese community) that Guanyin originated as the Sanskrit Avalokitesvara; which is her male form. Commonly known in English as the Goddess of Mercy; Guanyin is also revered in Daoism as an Immortal. In Japan; Guanyin is called Kannon.

Lotus Pond or Lotus Lake (Chinese: ???; pinyin: Li醤ch?T醤; Pe?h-oe-ji: Li鈔-t?th鈓) opened in 1951; and is famous for the lotus plants on the lake and the numerous temples around the lake; including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions (???); the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (???); and the Confucian Temple (??). Pictures From Asia David Henley