QUAN YIN: THE GODDESS OF COMPASSION AND MERCY

"The Goddess of Mercy is unique among the heavenly hierarchy in that She is so utterly free from pride or vengefulness that She remains reluctant to punish even those to whom a severe lesson might be appropriate. Individuals who could be sentenced to dreadful penance in other systems can attain rebirth and renewal by simply calling upon Her graces with utter and absolute sincerity. It is said that, even for one kneeling beneath the executioner's sword already raised to strike, a single heartfelt cry to Bodhisattva Quan Yin will cause the blade to fall shattered to the ground."

adapted from an essay by Bethleen Cole

Sondra has this small statue of Quan Yin on her altar to the Divine Mother in her living room. There is a stillness emanating from this area of the apartment. The epitome of total relaxation, it is the energy of Quan Yin that we need in our lives to come to the quiet and stillness within. Sondra spends some time every day in front of Her, the "devotional" time everyone needs in their life to make contact with the sacred.

Just above Quan Yin is the painting of the Divine Mother that Sondra had painted for her apartment in Seattle. Always in a state of giving, this painting is at the center of the room, ready to give welcome and solace to the guest.