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Guanyin

Folklore
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Bodhisattva of compassion in East Asian Buddhism, often depicted as a serene female figure

Detailed Definition
Guanyin hears the cries of the world and offers mercy. In poetry, she symbolizes unconditional love, maternal care, and spiritual refuge, often invoked in devotional or healing verse across Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese traditions.
Example
Example in poetry:
Guanyin, bodhisattva of compassion, inspires devotional poetry: "Guanyin hears the world’s sad cry—her vase spills mercy on the dry"; Poets depict her as universal mother: "With thousand arms, she lifts us all—Guanyin’s grace needs no reply"; In interfaith verse, she bridges traditions: "Like Mary, Kwan Yin weeps—love without condition, bound, or end"; Her willow branch symbolizes healing: "Guanyin dips her branch in dew—wounds close where her shadow falls"
Additional Notes
Guanyin: The East Asian bodhisattva of compassion, originally Avalokiteśvara, often depicted as female in Chinese folklore. Associated with mercy, healing, and safe childbirth. In poetry, she embodies unconditional love, maternal grace, and spiritual refuge. Useful in devotional, feminist, or interfaith verse; consider her link to the moon, willow branches, and ocean sounds.
Also Known As
Kuan Yin Avalokiteśvara Goddess of Mercy Avalokitesvara
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