Guan Yin Bodhisattva （观音菩萨）, everyone calls her Guan Shi Yin （观世音）, meaning she can hear all the voices in the world.
She is a very merciful Bodhisattva in Buddhism, with a dignified and kind appearance. She always holds a vase and a willow branch in her hand, and has the ability to bring people back to life.
Once upon a time, there was an epidemic and a famine in Hangzhou City, and the people suffered greatly.
One day, a large ship was parked by the lake, and a beautiful woman was sitting at the bow. She said that if someone was willing to buy her, she would serve that person and then use the money to help the poor.
The people on shore all wanted to buy her, arguing and fighting, until they finally decided to throw money at her, and whoever hit her would take her home.
So everyone started throwing money onto the ship, including copper coins, gold, and silver, but none of them hit the woman. Everyone was disappointed and had to give up.
The woman smiled and thanked everyone, giving all the money she received to the poor.
This story spread all over Hangzhou City, and the rich were moved by the woman’s chivalrous behavior and also started to give generously. Soon, the sick had medicine, the poor had money, and the hungry had food, and everyone was happy.
Suddenly, a dazzling light shone from the woman’s ship, and a solemn Bodhisattva appeared on the ship, smiling and clasping her hands together. She was Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva!
The Bodhisattva said, “I have come to make everyone kinder, more compassionate, and more willing to help others. You have done well today and will receive happiness.”
Everyone was very moved and clasped their hands together, chanting the name of Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva.
The Bodhisattva also gave them a portrait. From then on, the Bodhisattva really lived in the homes of everyone who spent money doing good deeds.