Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Shi, Xia

Area of Concentration

East Asian Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines the feminization of Guanyin in China and how her devotees history were shaped by Chinese ideals, desires, social statuses, and gendered life experiences. have worshipped her throughout Chinese history. Originally a male Indian deity named Avalokitesvara, they were introduced to China around the first to second century via the Silk Road. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Guanyin has been a universally recognized female deity of mercy and compassion throughout East Asia, known as Kannon in Japan and Gwaen-eum in Korea. As a bodhisattva who delays their enlightenment to help others, Guanyin protects women, children, sailors, and those in peril. Many also worship her for giving birth to sons, advancing spiritually, and acquiring financial fortune. Existing scholarship has offered an overview of the physical evolution of Guanyin in China. However, a detailed study is needed to examine the intangible aspects of Guanyin's feminization in China and how this transformation impacted devotees' worship methods. This thesis, organized into two chapters, begins by exploring the process of the deity’s Sinicization and feminization from male and Indian to female and Chinese, then examines how this transformation shaped devotee worship. It argues that Guanyin’s feminization and how devotees worshipped Guanyin throughout Chinese

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