Kuan Yin is the most important, best-loved deity in the Chinese world. She is the living expression of compassion and the center of devotion in most Chinese homes and workplaces. Yet she is barely known in the West. The authors of The Kuan Yin Chronicles introduce Kuan Yin to Western readers, and reveal that Kuan Yin is the mystery and power of the divine feminine, who transcends all doctrines, creeds, and traditions.

The book is divided into three sections:

1. The origins and evolution of Kuan Yin in early China, Buddhism, Taoism, and shamanism.

2. The myths and stories about Kuan Yin.

3. Fresh translations of 100 Kuan Yin poems, which function as both literature and tools for divination and prophecy.

The author delves deep into Buddhist tradition to find the origins of the goddess of compassion so beloved of the Chinese. He translates the poems that are used as a divination tool, similar to the quatrains of Nostradamus. Reading the book is an exercise in philosophy and art as well as learning a religious tradition. ( )

The Kuan Yin Chronicles
The Myths and Prophecies of The Chinese Goddess of Compassion
by Martin Palmer and Jay Ramsay, with Man-Ho Kwok

I enjoyed reviewing this 190 page blessed tribute to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. The format was great, simple and understandable. I learned so much about the Goddess and the biggest shocker was that she started out as a God and became a Goddess later on. My favorite part was the section in the back that had 100 of Kuan Yin's poems which have been used by many as a form of divination.

One way to use the poems is to open the section and look at the poems til one jumps out at you, another way is to use 100 numbered sticks called Joss Sticks. I chose to use the first method and got poem number 34, a poem on morality that reminded me to stand in my integrity. I walked away from the experience feeling like I knew Kuan Yin in a deeper way and that I can reach to her anytime I feel the need. I would recommend this highly spiritual read to anyone drawn to the Goddess or to those looking for a different kind of divination and guidance. Thanks so much, I got a lot out of this one.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )

The Kuan Yin Chronicles: The Myths and Prophecies of the Chinese Goddess of Compassion by Martin Palmer, Jay Ramsay with Man-Ho Kwok
NonFiction, Buddhism, Myths, TIOLI LT three letter combo challenge (yth)
Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion, the One Who Hears the Cries of the World, actually started out as a male bodhisattva. This book is divided into three sections. The first section: History and Origins tells the story of how and why Kuan Yin changed genders, and how she became the most beloved religious figure in China. The second section: Myths and Legends discusses the myths of Kuan Yin over the centuries and in various parts of Asia. The third section contains poems about or inspired by Kuan Yin and discusses methods of divination utilizing the 100 poems.
The authors do a good job of explaining the often confusing story of Kuan Yin. 3.5/5 star ( )