Adam Kitamoto
Kannon - The Goddess of Mercy 観音 (also charity art auction)
Hey guys, I am sure many of you are aware of Kannon, s/he is a very popular image in Japanese tattoos, also known as Kwan Yin in china. There is so much to write about Kannon, as there are over 100 forms, all with their own specific meanings, I am highly recommending reading alot more in depth here.
The reason for my posting this as there is a new charity art auction going on to aid the folks in Japan, as I am sure you all know there are still alot of problems due to the Quake and Tsunami, even though the news headlines don’t particularly find the subject interesting anymore. Take a look here for information on how to submit your art or if you are interested in going along to purchase some art. I can say now Horiyoshi 3, Horimasa and Horikitsune are confirmed for submissions, and of course I will be submitting also. If any of you are interested in any other ways to donate to relief let me know, I know of a few organisations I can put you in touch with!
- ORIGIN = India. Kannon personifies compassion and is one of the most widely worshipped divinities in Asia and Japan in both ancient and modern times. Kannon’s origins are unclear, but most scholars agree that Kannon worship began in India around the 1st or 2nd century AD and then spread to Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and most other Asian nations. Veneration of Kannon in Japan began in the late 6th century, soon after Buddhism reached Japan by way of Korea and China. In Japan, Kannon’s paradise is known asFudarakusen. It is commonly said to be located at the southern tip of India (which supports theories of Kannon’s Indian origin). Many Kannon statues from Japan’s Asuka Era (538 to 710) are still extant. Originally male in form, Kannon is now often portrayed as female in China, Japan, and other East Asian countries. Each of these nations dressed Kannon in different forms to suit their own temperaments and spiritual concepts.
- TRANSLATION. Avalokitêśvara is a Sanskrit term, masculine in gender, that translates as Lord Who Regards All (avalokita = observe, iśvara = unimpeded). Īśvara, another name for Śiva, Mahêśvara, or Īśvaradeva (the king of the deva), is a likely component of the name Avalokitêśvara. The Sino-Japanese term Kannon 観音 (Chinese = Guānyīn) literally means watchful listening, and is often translated as “one who sees / hears all.” This is indeed the task of the compassionate Kannon — to witness and listen to the prayers and cries of those in difficulty in the earthly realm, and to help them achieve salvation. Another Japanese name for Kannon is Kanzeon 観世音, the one who constantly surveys (kan 観) the world (ze 世) listening for the sounds (on 音) of suffering. It was later shortened to Kannon.
