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At the meeting point of the Yellow River and the Fenhe River in Wanrong County lies the Houtu Temple, an ancestral site dedicated to the worship of Houtu, the Earth Goddess in Chinese mythology. Recognized as “the oldest temple in the nation,” Houtu Temple is a cornerstone of Chinese civilization and serves as a vital…
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I truly appreciate your patience as I sift through images, and I must say that uncovering quality pictures of more obscure deities is quite the challenge. Before diving deeper into this topic, let’s take a moment to recognize the gods and goddesses who exist outside the traditional gender binary. Understanding Houtu as an Ambiguous Deity…
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Hou Tu 后土, also recognized as the “Lord of the Earth” or “Goddess of the Earth,” was a revered natural deity whose worship persisted throughout the era of imperial China. This deity, referred to as Dizhi 地祗, served as a counterpart to the Great Unity (taiyi 太一), which symbolized Heaven. The customary offerings to this…
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The Revered Goddess of Compassion: Guan Yin Guan Yin, often seen under various names such as Guan Yim, Kuan Yim, Kwan Im, and Kuan Yin, is an abbreviation for Kuan-shi Yin, which translates to “Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the (human) World”. She is highly esteemed across numerous Asian cultures, bearing different names in…
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Guan Yin, revered as the Goddess of Mercy, holds a special place in the hearts of millions globally, particularly during times of crisis, fear, or sorrow. Known primarily as the embodiment of compassion, the character of Guan Yin closely aligns with Avalokiteshvara, as she provides protection against the ten significant fears faced by her devotees.…
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Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Guanyin (觀音) stands as the revered goddess of mercy, embodying compassion itself. Known for her omnipresence and omniscience, worshippers seek her divine intervention in moments of doubt, distress, and fear. A Ming Dynasty poet from the 14th century eloquently captured her essence in verse: Like a speck of…
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Quan Yin, a name that translates to “One Who Sees and Hears the Cry from the Human World,” embodies deep compassion and maternal qualities. Known in China as “She who always observes sounds,” she represents the divine listener of prayers and pleas. Often depicted with eleven heads, she is affectionately called Sung-Tzu-Niang-Niang, which means “lady…
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Quan Yin, an abbreviated name translating to “The One Who Sees and Hears the Cries from the Human Realm,” embodies compassion and mercy in Chinese mythology. Her title reflects her attentive nature, emphasizing her role as the deity who listens to prayers. Occasionally depicted with eleven heads, she is affectionately referred to as Sung-Tzu-Niang-Niang, or…
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Bodhisattva Guan Yin: A Symbol of Compassion Dressed in flowing white robes and gracefully poised on a lotus pedestal, Bodhisattva Guan Yin embodies mercy and compassion with a willow branch in one hand and a vase holding pure water in the other. Her name translates to “She who hears the cries of the world,” emphasizing…
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The Legend of Pan Gu: Creator of the Chinese Cosmos Introduction to Pan Gu At the heart of Chinese mythology lies the towering figure of Pan Gu, who emerged from the primordial chaos of a cosmic egg to shape the universe. This narrative, steeped in cultural heritage, portrays Pan Gu as the first living being,…
