The 33 Transformation Bodies of Guanyin

I.Willow Leaf Guanyin

“This refers to the flexibility of the Bodhisattva to adept to the mind of Sentient beings, liken to willow leaves Swaying in the wind.”

Otherwise known as Bhaisajya-raja Avalokitesvara, who holds a vial of elixir in the left hand and a stalk of willow leaves in the right. The elixir can cure all their physical and spiritual illnesses. Devotees suffering from illnesses therefore pray especially to this manifestation, so this is also another popular form in China and South East Asia.

II. Dragon Head Guanyin

"If there are those that can be Liberated by a Naga or Yaksa, the Bodhisattva will appear in these Forms to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as a Naga or Yaksa. This form is sitting or standing on the back of a dragon flying through the clouds. They are all celestial or supernatural beings. But as the Dragon is the highest of all beasts, it can be compared to the might of Guanyin's powers.

III. Sutra Holding Guanyin

"If there are those that can be Liberated by a Sravaka, the Bodhisattva will appear in this Form to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as a Sravaka. This form is seated on a rock with a scroll in the right hand. A Sravaka is an enlightened disciple of the Buddha. As Sravakas attain enlightenment through listening to the Dharma, the Sutra is used as a symbol of teaching.

IV. Complete Hallow Guanyin

"If there are sentient beings punished By kings, about to meet their ends by Execution; by the power of invoking Avalokitesvara, the blade will shatter Into many pieces."

Who appears inside an all encompassing hallow of light. This form is seated on a rock with clasped palms. The blazing flames behind this form are a symbol of such strength.

V. Wander Jest Guanyin

"If there are sentinet beings p

ursued

y evil men, and as a result fall off

he admantine mountain; by the

ower of invoking Avalokitesvara,

ot a single hair on them will be

jured."

B T P N In

Who appears falling from the Admantine Mountain. This form is seated on rainbow colored clouds with one hand holding her Raised knee & the other supporting her body. The rainbow clouds are used as a symbol of such freedom of flight.

VI. White Robe Guanyin

"If there are those that can be Liberated by a Bhikku or Bhikkuni, The Bodhisattva will appear in these Forms to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as a Bhikku or Bhikkuni. This form is seated in meditation on a rock wearing a white robe. It is the same as Pandaravasini Avalokitesvara of the Garbhadhatu Mandala. A Bhikku/Bhikkuni is an ordained disciple of the Buddha. White symbolises the pure undefiled heart of enlightenment - the bodhicitta. Incidentally this Guanyin is also called the "mother-form", as almost all Chinese depictions of Guanyin are modelled in this image.

VII. Lotus Seated Guanyin

"If there are those that can be Liberated by a Prince, the Bodhisattva Will appear in this form to teach them The Dharma."

Who appears as a Prince. This form wears a crown & is seated in a lotus pond with clasped palms. The exalted lotus seat represents his or her natural noblity.

VIII. Gush Seeing Guanyin

"If there are sentinet beings to be Harmed, by being pushed into a pit Of fire; by the power of invoking Avalokitesvara, the burning pit will Become a pond."

Who appears as transforming a burning pit into a pond. This form is seated on a cliff gazing at a distant waterfall. Thus it is also known as Waterfall Observing Guanyin. The gushing waters are used as a symbol of such salvation.

IX

. Joy Giving Guanyin

Although sentinet beings are in

reat trouble and distress, subjected

o endless cycles of suffering; but

hrough Avalokitesvara's wonderful

isdom, all worldly suffering can be

aved."

ho appears like the sun in the sky.

his form sits beside a pond gazing at nearby lotuses, with one hand ion.

he constatly contemplates on how to relieve the suffering of sentient

“ G T T W S

W Tplaced on her knee & the other on her cheek, as if in deep contemplat Sbeings using her limitless wisdom, thus giving them true joy.

X. Fish Basket Guanyin

f sentinet beings meet with evil

aksas, poisonous nagas and other

emons; by the power of invoking

valokitesvara, immediately none

ill dare to harm them."

ho appears to save those running into evil raksas.

his form is standing on a great koi fish with crossed hands, sometimes

he great koi fish is a symbol of majesty that awes the raksas, nagas &

"I R D A W

W Tholding a fish basket. Tdemons into submission, & the basket is where they will be contained.

XI

. Virtuous King Guanyin

f there are those that can be

iberated by Mahabrahma, the

odhisattva will appear in this form to

each them the Dharma."

ho appears as Mahabrahma.

his form sits in the lotus posture on a rock, holding a branch of willow

ahabrahma is the Primal Sentient Being & the Creator deity of the

fter the Buddha appeared he has since become a guardian deity. He is

his is comparable to the virtue of Guanyin, so this form is named

"I L B T

W Tleaves in the right hand & the left hand rests below his navel. MHindu faith. ALord of the Realm of Form, thus extremely exalted in virtue. TVirtuous King.

XII. Water Moon Guanyin

f there are those that can be

iberated by a Pratyeka Buddha, the

odhisattva will appear in this form to

h them the Dharma."

ho appears as a Pratyeka Buddha.

his form is standing on a lotus petal floating on water with clapsed

t is the same as Udakasri Avalokitesvara of the Garbhakosa Mandala.

Pratyeka Buddha is a silent saint who is enlightened from realizing the

his Pratyeka Buddha form is shown to be able to realize the the truth of

"I L B Teac

W Tpalms, gazing at the Moon. I A12 Causal Links of Existence. TDependent Origination by gazing at the Moon & observing its reflection inthe water.

III. Single Petal Guanyin

f there are sentient beings washed

way by great waters, drifting

elplessly in the flood; by the

ower of invoking Avalokitesvara,

hey will be able to reach shallow

reas."

Who appears as a Minister.

his form sits on a lotus petal floating on the water with one hand placed

his form of Guanyin is venerated for his ability to drift anywhere to help

X

"I A H P T A

Ton his raised knee & the other supporting his body. Tvictims of water disasters.

XIV. Blue Neck Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by

Buddha, the Bodhisattva will appear in

his form to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as a Buddha.

his form is sitting on a rock with one hand placed on his raised knee &

vial with a willow branch is placed beside him.

his form is the same as Nilakantha Avalokitesvara in Vajrayana

his form is venerated for its ability to cure diseases, alleviate sins & to

That is why Guanyin is sometimes called he with the blue neck.

"I A T

Tthe other resting on another rock nearby. A TBuddhism. Tlengthen lifespans by swallowing the defilements of sentient beings inhis throat, turning it dark.

XV. Majestic Virtue Guanyin

f there are those that can be

al, the

Who appears as a Celestial General.

t the water with one hand placed on e ground & the other holding a stalk of lotus.

awe & respect among all entient beings with his majestic powers.

"I Liberated by a Celestial Gener Bodhisattva will appear in this form To teach them the Dharma."

This form is sitting on a rock gazing ath This form is venerated for its ability to commands

XVI. Life Lengthening Guanyin

f there are sentient beings plagued

y curses & poisons, intending to

ause bodily harm; by the power of

voking Avalokitesvara, they will be

eturned to the original senders."

Who appears protected from harm by curses & poisons.

his form rests behind a rock with one hand placed on his cheek in

he wears a precious crown with Buddha Amitabha manifested above, &

his form of Guanyin is venerated for she is able to protect sentient beings

"I B C In R

Tcontemplation & the other placed on the rock. Sher body is a deep yellow color. Tfrom harm by all curses & poisons, thus lengthening their lifespan.

XVII. All Treasures Guanyin

f there are those that can be

iberated by an Elder, the

odhisattva will appear in this

orm to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as an Elder.

his form is sitting on a coastal rock in contemplation with one hand

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings seeking

"I L B F

Tplaced on the ground & the other holding his raised left knee. Ttreasures from harm if they ever meet with raksas in unknown lands.

XVIII. Rock Enclave Guanyin

f there are snakes & scorpians,

reathing out venom like smoky fire;

y the power of invoking

valokitesvara, they will all go away

eeking this sound."

Who appears protected from snakes & scorpians.

his form sits meditating inside a rocky cave, gazing at the water.

his form of Guanyin is venerated for she is able to protect sentient beings

"I B B A S

T Tfrom harm by all snakes, scorpians & their venom.

XIX. Tranquility Able Guanyin

f there are measureless sentient

eings going through from all kinds

f Suffering, who upon hearing the

ame of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara,

incerely call on him; the Bodhisattva

ill immediately answer their prayer

nd relieve them of all suffering."

Who appears in deep contemplation.

his form is leaning on a rock with both hands folded in front.

his form is venerated for its ability to give peace to sentient beings who

"I B O N S W A

T Tbecome victims of disasters.

XX. Anuda Guanyin

f there are sentient beings castaway at

ea, at the mercy of water dragons, fish

demons; by the power of invoking

valokitesvara, waves will not be able

o drown them."

Who appears protected from hostile denizens of the sea.

his form is sits on a rock with both hands placed on the raised left knee,

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings who become

"I S & A T

Tgazing at a waterfall. Tshipwreck victims lost at sea.

XXI. Amate Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated

y Vaisramana, the Bodhisattva will

ppear in this form to teach them the

harma."

Who appears as Celestial King Vaisramana.

his form is the same as the 4 armed Amate Avalokitesvara of the

e is sitting on a rock with both hands placed on the raised left knee,

his form is venerated for its ability to bestow fearlessness towards all

"I B A D

TGarbhakosa. Hgazing out at sea. Tsentient beings.

XXII. Leaf Cloaked Guanyin

f there are those that can be

iberated by Sakra, the Bodhisattva

ill appear in this form to teach

hem the Dharma."

ho appears as Sakra, King of the Tavatimsa heaven, which is on the

his form is the same as Parnashabari Avalokitesvara of the Garbhakosa.

e is sitting in the lotus posture on a rock with both hands folded infront.

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from various

"I L W T

Wpeak of Mount Sumeru. T H Tdiseases, lengthening life & also to protect households.

XXIII. Colored Glaze Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by

varadeva, the Bodhisattva will appear in

his form to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as Isvaradeva.

varadeva is Lord of the Paranirmita-vashavartin Heaven, the highest

his form is the same as Gandharaja Avalokitesvara of the Garbhakosa,

e is standing on a lotus petal floating on the water. In his hands is a

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from many

"I Is T

Isheaven in the Realm of Desire where he is considered the supreme deity. TAlso known as High King Guanyin. Hincense burner made of colored glaze. Ttypes of untimely death.

XXIV. Tara Guanyin

f there are sentient beings surrounded by

ostile bandits, each wielding a sword ready

o Slay; by the power of invoking

valokitesvara, they will immediately

urn merciful."

Who appears protected from hostile bandits.

his form is the same as Bodhisattva Tara of the Garbhakosa.

s we know Tara means 'eye' or 'deliverer'.

e is standing on a cloud floating in the sky.

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from being

"I H T A T

T A H Tharmed by vicious bandits.

XXV. Clam Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by a

odhisattva, the Bodhisattva will appear as

imself to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears who appears as a Bodhisattva.

his form seats in meditation behind a giant clam.

his form originated from the legends among China's coastal fishermen.

e is venerated by them for its ability to protect them on their fishing trips

"I B H

T T Hout to sea.

XXVI. Six Period Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by

n Upasaka, the Bodhisattva will appear

this form to teach them the Dharma."

Who appears who appears as an Upasaka (Layman).

his form stands on a rock holding a Sutra text in his right hand.

his form is so called because it constantly radiates compassion towards

"I A In

T Tall sentient beings, throughout the six 2-hourly periods of both day & night.

XXVII. Universal Compassion Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by

ahesvara, the Bodhisattva will appear in this form

h them the Dharma."

Who appears who appears as Mahesvara.

ahesvara is originally Shiva of the Hindu faith, but after being

e is also thought to be the highest deity in the Realm of Form, thus very

his form stands on a mountain top with both hands crossed & concealed

his form is so called because its universal & equal compassion is able to

"I M To teac

Mconverted by the Buddha he has since become a guardian deity. Hexalted in power & virtue. Tin his robes. Tbenefit all sentient beings, just as the power & virtue of Mahevsara is known by all.

XXVIII. Lady Ma Guanyin

f there are those that can be

iberated by a Lady, the Bodhisattva

ill appear in this form to teach

hem the Dharma."

Who appears who appears as a Lady.

his form stands with both hands crossed infront, & is garbed in a

uring the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, in the year e

he people of Shanyou are fond of hunting & archery, & have never

"I L W T

Tcelestial dress. D817 AD this form appeared in the Shanyou district to convert the populacthere. Theard of the Dharma.

Thus the Bodhisattva appeared as a beautiful lady & enticed the men to

o after 3 rounds of competition only a young man of the Ma family

o she married this young man, only to die the next day.

few days after she was buried an old monk appeared, asking that the

n it they found that only a golden collar bone remained.

he old monk then revealed to them that this lady is actually a hus came

s he finished his words the old monk simply vanished.

rom then on the populace of Shanyou mostly became devout Buddhists.

ask for her hand, but on the condition that they can memorize 3 Mahayana Sutra texts. Scould memorize all the texts. S Agrave be lifted. I Tmanifestation of Guanyin, who took pity on the people here & tto teach them. A F

XIX. Clasped Palms Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by a

rahmin, the Bodhisattva will appear in this form

o teach them the Dharma."

Who appears as a Brahmin.

rahmins are people of the priest caste, thus having the highest standing

his form stands on a lotus with both palms clasped in salute.

lthough this form is of noble caste, but it is free from egoistic pride,

X

"I B T

Bin Indian society. T Ahumbly saluting all sentinet beings as future Buddhas.

XXX. Oneness Guanyin

f there thunderous clouds spitting

olts of lightning, dropping hailstones

nd showering great rain; by the

ower of invoking Avalokitesvara,

hey will all disperse in due time."

Who appears in control of storms.

his form sits on a lotus seat on top of a floating storm cloud, with both

his form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from

"I B A P T

Thands placed on her raised left knee. Tdisasterous storms.

XXXI. Non-dual Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated

y a Vajra Holder, the Bodhisattva will

ppear in this form to teach them the

harma."

Who appears as a Vajra Holder (guardian deity).

his form stands on a lotus leaf floating on the water, with both hands

his form is venerated for its ability to protect all Buddhas from

on-dual refers to the nature of the Bodhisattva's fierce & peaceful

"I B A D

Tlowered & crossed infront. Tunwholesome forces. Nmanifestations.

XXXII. Lotus Holding Guanyin

f there are those that can be liberated by a

oy or Girl Child, the Bodhisattva will

ppear in this form to teach them the

harma."

ho appears as a Boy/Girl Child.

his form, who wears a crown, is the same as Bodhisattva Padmapani of

t stands on a floating lotus leaf, with both hands holding a long stalk of 2

t symbolizes the fully enlightened mind together with the mind journeying

s we may know, this lotus is a symbol of the Bodhisattva's fundamental

"I B A D

W Tthe Garbhakosa. Ilotuses, one bloomed & the other half-bloomed. Itowards enlightenment. Avow.

XXIII. Water Sprinkling Guanyin

f there are sentient beings washed away by

reat waters, drifting helplessly in the flood;

y the power of invoking Avalokitesvara, they

ill be able to reach shallow areas."

Who appears controlling the flood waters.

t stands on a rock holding a bowl in the left hand & sprinkling water

his is exactly the same as Single Petal Guanyin. Likewise, this form is

X

"I G B W

Ifrom it with a willow stalk in the right hand. Tvenerated for its ability to save victims of water disasters.