Guanyin is perhaps the most revered figure in the Buddhist world. Originally called Avalokiteshvara is the Indian tradition, it is known in Japan as Kan'on, in China as Guanyin, Quan Yin, or Kuan-yin. The name "Guanyin" is a short version of "Guanshiyin," or the One Who Attends to the Sounds of the World. In other words, the Bodhisattva is the one who listens to those who need help. Although originally it was a male deity, it gradually transformed into a female figure and assumed a role quite similar to that of Mother Mary in the Western tradition.

Although in English she is called a Goddess, she is actually a Bodhisattva, which means a person in the Buddhist hierarchy who had attained the highest level of spirituality but stayed back to help others.

The Mantra of Great Mercy is a short mantra which, despite its brevity, is one of the most important texts of Buddhism. Mantras are short texts repeated by worshippers over and over because they are thought to bring good fortune and blessings.