The Rise of Kwan-Yin Worship in America

In her book Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion: A Path Toward Clarity and Peace, Sandy Boucher reveals to the reader a figure that is both Deeply Female and Universally Human all at once. She paints a vivid picture of the Bodhisattva (Goddess) of Compassion revered among millions throughout Asian Buddhist communities around the world. The emergence of Buddhist Spirituality within the Western World is bringing with it many of the idols and images sacred to Buddhists for centuries, among them is Kwan Yin.
Boucher begins the book by giving the reader a short yet very accessible history of the Bodhisattva. Following the introduction of Kwan Yin we are greeted by stories from women within both eastern and western cultures, Buddhist and Neo-Pagan alike who have found comfort, support and a home, within the welcoming arms of this Ancient yet seemingly modern Goddess. There are accounts from venerable Monks, and the reader is given a chance to experience the life of those that have chosen to worship Kwan Yin full time, Buddhist Nuns and Monks.

"As the feminine reasserts itself in Western spirituality, a towering female figure has arrived on our shores from Asia. Her name is Kwan Yin. She is the most revered goddess in all of Asia, and Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese immigrants naturally brought her with them when they came here. But her presence has also reached beyond the immigrant communities to enter the lives of countless European-Americans. . . .

Looking at how Kwan Yin has come to America, I realize that she is making her way in the lives of today's women, too. Women call upon her for help, revere her, write poems or songs about her, embody her in her pure compassionate energy. Those of both European and Asian descent respond to her wide, tender mercy." – Sandy Boucher

Contained within the short 144 pages are classic Buddhist rituals, chants, prayers and meditations, as well as, contemporary songs and poems written in her glorious honour. This tiny volume is filled with illustrations (black and white) that depict the various ways in which Kwan Yin as appeared to those who sought her guidance during dark and dreary times.

 
When one comes to the inevitable conclusion of the book, you are left feeling as if you personally embody the tenderness and strength of Kwan Yin herself. The clear yet sensitive prose presented by Boucher make this book a wonderful introduction. Her ability to perfectly capture the heart and soul of the mother of millions leaves you feeling fulfilled yet longing for more.

Discovering Quan Yin

After many years of calling out to the Earth Mother (Gaia), as a modern NeoPagan Hippie and Wiccan, I was called upon by Quan Yin, Bodhisattva of Compassion. The image of an ethereal being, a woman real yet not of this world, came to me repeatedly while I was pregnant for my second child. Her grace and wisdom was apparent even though she was never moving. She was still. A calm presence during tough times. This 'image' was hard to shake. Her face was ingrained into my memory. Every time I would close my eyes, there she would be, smiling. Such a simple act, but one that seemed to ease my growing fears (My two children would only be 16 months apart and I was having a tough time adjusting to being a fulltime stay at home mom). It was some months before I was able to properly put a name to the face I had seen countless times.

I was doing some research on birthing rituals and chants to attempt to incorporate into my Hypnobirthing the second time around when I came across this image. For the first time in months I was able to put a name to the face that had calmed so many of my fears. The face that had kept me from the brink of utter despair. The face that told me (more times that I can count) that everything would be okay; that she would guide me through the next phase of my life and set me up for the future I was meant to have. The life I was meant to live. I would no longer be living in the shadow of the past, but in the light of what was to be. Who I was to be.

I immediately set out to find out all I could about her. About Quan Yin. I poured over websites and other peoples accounts of their encounters with her. I found a comfort in the words of others. In their stories of triumph over what was troubling them. I learned that not only was Quan Yin a Bodhisattva but she was the patron Goddess for Millions upon Millions of Buddhists world wide, especially in South Korea where she takes on the role of Mother to a nation.

My research led to several print works dedicated solely to her. I was beyond ecstatic. Not only could I openly speak with the image of hope that guided me. Now I could immerse myself in literature about her, in my favourite medium, Print Media. First chance I had I ran to my discount books store to see if they had any of the titles I was looking for. The first book I came across was "Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion: A Path Towards Clarity and Peace" by Sandy Boucher. I set about reading this holy grail sneaking in pages every chance I had (not an easy task with a 1yr old)…