SamuraiBlue
Captain
Guanyin is part of Mahāyāna Buddhism, there are no gods or deities in Theravada Buddhism.
Chinese Cultural Discussions
- Thread starter solarz
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Brumby
Major
I think the origin is disputed even based on the Wiki page you linked to as described below.
The one common feature amongst Chinese and Hindu system is the myriad of thousands of gods. Over time for whatever reason, there is probably fusion of origin and beliefs which technically is hard to prove one way or another.
It is generally accepted among East Asian adherents that Guanyin originated as the (अवलोकितेश्वर). Commonly known in English as the Mercy Goddess or Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin is also revered by Chinese as an . In there are about Guanyin's origins that are not associated to the Avalokiteśvara described in Buddhist sutras.
Brumby
Major
I would like to remind everyone that the discussions is about Chinese culture and beliefs and how it might have developed over time and the relevancy as applicable today. The historical veracity and origin is (i) difficult to prove one way or another; and (ii) it is really secondary to the main discussions. Can we please focus on the substance and not the peripherals.
SamuraiBlue
Captain
I think you are mixing up Mahāyāna Buddhism with Theravada Buddhism. They both started in India. The Chinese were not the ones that created or mixed the gods or deities since it was like that when it was adopted into China.
Brumby
Major
I think your first sentence contradicts your second sentence in terms of their relative timing. It is not important just that factually you are self contradicting.
Can we also consider Brahmanism and Hinduism as the same unless there is a difference that undermines the discussion.
Brumby
Major
Does it change the nature of the conversation? If so please explain.
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Sorry got the years opposite.
There are slight variations between Brahmanism and Hinduism the biggest being Brahmanism is monotheism or the one only god where as Hinduism adopted various deities from indigenous religion that was worshiped in India that was finalized around 1~4 century AD.
There are slight variations between Brahmanism and Hinduism the biggest being Brahmanism is monotheism or the one only god where as Hinduism adopted various deities from indigenous religion that was worshiped in India that was finalized around 1~4 century AD.
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SamuraiBlue
Captain
Well the deity Guanyin was basically an idea within the beginning of Mahāyāna Buddhism which was given a figure or avatar utilizing the same method as Hinduism.
It's the same with all the deities within Mahāyāna Buddhism making it easier to accept and understand then just a concept.
Brumby
Major
As I understand the difference between the two schools, Mahayana is predominant in China as opposed to Theravada say in Thailand. The Mahayana school incorporates more heavily local beliefs and in my view supports the notion that Guanyin is a fusion of Buddhism and local beliefs.
Brumby
Major
I think you may be creating a misconception if not well understood in terms of what you are saying. Both Mahayana and Theravada obviously originated from India because they are merely branches of Buddhism. The former is a school predominant in China and is more inclusive of local beliefs. This is reflected in the example of the Monkey God movie where we actually see the fusion of Buddhism and Chinese deities. The Chinese with its equally long history already had a set of deities long before Buddhism was introduced and is not because of it. In other words, Mahayana Buddhism is the result and not the cause as you alluded. .
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