Values and Ethics

Values and Ethics of Quan Yin

GEN 200/ WCNV3009

4 Jan, 2010

Deborah Elver

Values and Ethics of Quan Yin

Quan Yin is revered as an embodiment of Buddha by all Chinese, many Japanese and Buddhists everywhere because of her ethics and values (Kwan Yin, 2006). Quan Yin applied these values and ethics into her everyday life. She has boundless compassion for every living being; her strength is disguised in softness and she shows mercy to all and displays unconditional love to all. She is the Guardian of the unfortunate, the sick, the disabled, the poor, and those in trouble (Kwan Yin, 2006).

Quan Yin vowed to remain on earth and not to enter the state of Nirvana or heavenly worlds until all living beings are freed from suffering (The Legend, 2009). That is also how Quan Yin touched the hearts and souls of many people in the Buddhist faiths just as the Virgin Mary did capture the hearts of many Catholics (Billinghurts, 2003, p. 1).Quan Yin is also worshipped as a guardian of women and children, and is also revered as the guardian of learning.

She has a great number of “civilized” virtues, which makes her a magnificent deity for today’s world. As a civilized Goddess, she understands the energy and excitement of modern-day life, business, commerce, work, the need for time off ,and the importance of enjoying the fruits of one's hard work. She is kind and gentle to every living creature, yet she protects what is hers fiercely in a peaceable manner (Davis, 2003, para. 9).

If more people in today’s world tried to incorporate some of Quan Yins virtues, they would live a more fulfilled life and would become a remarkable role model for their children and other people. Individuals would not necessarily have to meditate for hours on in; just incorporate and follow some of the precepts of Quan Yins method for attaining Nirvana in everyday life, which are as follows:

• Refraining from taking the life of any living beings. This first precept...