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Feminization Phenomenon of Guanyin: The Gender Transformation of Religious Icon in Song Dynasty
- 1 Zhejiang University
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Abstract
Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, holds an esteemed and irreplaceable position within Mahayana Buddhism. The belief in Guanyin has flourished across various regions of China, becoming deeply entrenched in the religious and cultural fabric of the country. Throughout history, the image of Guanyin has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a male representation to a revered female deity. This article aims to delve into the period spanning the Han Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, in order to unravel the origins of Guanyin’s gender and analyze the profound aesthetic implications associated with the shifts in Guanyin’s depiction over time. By scrutinizing the fusion and compromise of the Buddhist notion of equality from its Indian roots and its subsequent integration into Han China, alongside the prevalent Confucian belief in male superiority and female inferiority, the article seeks to illuminate the social and philosophical underpinnings behind the widespread acceptance of the female Guanyin during the Song Dynasty.
Keywords
Guanyin image, feminization, Tang and Song societies, filial piety, respect for mother
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Cite this article
Zhou,Y. (2023). Feminization Phenomenon of Guanyin: The Gender Transformation of Religious Icon in Song Dynasty. Communications in Humanities Research,8,137-147.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Educational Innovation and Philosophical Inquiries
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