Guanyin 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'. She is also sometimes referred to as Guanyin Pusa (simplified Chinese: ????; traditional Chinese: ????; pinyin: Guanyin P鷖? Wade-Giles: Kuan-yin Pu-sah; literally 'Bodhisattva Guanyin').

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 Mercy Goddess or Goddess of Mercy; Guanyin is also revered by Chinese Daoists (Taoists) as an Immortal. Pictures From Asia David Henley