Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 132 pages
• Published by: Beacon Press
• Edition: 1st Edition May 12, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0807013412
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0807013410
• Book Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 8.8 ounces

Product Review
On one end of the spectrum of Western Buddhism, we have the likes of Stephen Batchelor and his Buddhism Without Beliefs. On the other end, some people choose to preserve the gods of the East. Sandy Boucher, author of Opening the Lotus and Turning the Wheel, turns her attention to the phenomenon of Kwan Yin (also known as: Guanyin, Kannon, Kwan Um, Chenrezig, Avalokitesvara), bodhisattva of compassion. Kwan Yin as comforter, healer, and female exemplar has been adopted as a personal deity by a growing number of Western women, whether Buddhists or not. In Discovering Kwan Yin, Boucher meets up with many of them, evoking stories of profound encounters, life-saving rescues, and long-term guidance. The wide-open spiritualism of Boucher's search leads her to a diversity of images, places, people, and experiences: Asian-American immigrants, a Chinese island, an extravagant tattoo, a Fulbright poet, a pagan goddess mass. For those seeking a divine presence in their lives, and a female one at that, Discovering Kwan Yin is a powerful initiation into a centuries-old tradition of soulful devotion. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Boucher, author of other noted feminist and Buddhist titles (e.g., Opening the Lotus, LJ 5/15/97) offers what she describes as the first book on Kwan Yin written by a woman. It is perhaps inevitable, in the surge of interest in woman- and goddess-centered spirituality, that books on the East's most familiar goddess should appear, and Boucher's work is a good beginning. Warm personal recollections and shared experiences shape this collection of life stories, songs, and insights, but Buddhist readers should be aware that Boucher's outlook reflects a largely American and even Californian version of Buddhism. For greater collections and those strong in feminist studies.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion (Hardcover) This is an interesting little book in some respects, but I was a bit disappointed. I only recently "discovered" Kuan Yin, so the educational elements of the book were nice; however, I was a bit put-off at the beginning of the book, when Boucher refers only to Asian-decended or European-decended women being drawn to Kuan Yin - she completely leaves out any other ethnicity, which I found offensive. Boucher does bring together several different religions and lifestyles into this book, which was nice, and relays the stories and experiences of quite a few women throughout. It's a quick read - it only took me a few hours one night - that concludes with a listing of various ways to get in touch with your own manifestation of Kuan Yin, as well as a good listing of "for further info" citations. Still, despite its good points, I'm left feeling somewhat...wanting. While I'm sure Boucher is very passionate about Kuan Yin, that passion doesn't come through terribly well in her writing voice - it almost comes across as more ... how can I phrase this without offending anyone? Not easy. There is a fine line between a child-like wonder (which I view as A Good Thing) and an incredibly mindless acceptance of anything. Boucher seems to teeter precariously on that line. I also couldn't connect with her through her writing voice - usually, it's easy to get a good feel for an author through his or her voice and style, but Boucher seems to keep the reader at arms-length, which is (to me) rather off-putting. I'm not sure. I really *wanted* to like this book, but I feel only luke-warm about it. Ah well, I'm off in search of others like it.