Goddess of Mercy

(Quan Yin) Goddess of Mercy is one of the most
beloved of dieties in the Buddhist tradition. She is the embodiment of compassionate loving kindness. She hears the cries of all beings. The many stories featuring this Goddess serve to convey the idea of an enlightened being who embodies the attributes of an all pervasive, all
consuming, unwavering loving compassion and who is accessible to everyone. Quan Yin counsels us by her actions to cultivate within ourselves those particular refined qualities that all beings are said to possess in some form. Contemplating the Goddess of Mercy involves little dogma or ritual. The simplicity of this gentle being and her standards tends to lead her devotees towards becoming more compassionate and loving themselves. A deep sense of service to all fellow beings naturally follows any devotion to the Goddess. From such an easy and comfortable way of thinking the world slowly and inevitably becomes a better place.
(adapted from an essay by Bethleen Cole)