A radiant multi-armed statue of Gwanseeum-bosal at Okjeong Temple in Gijang, Busan / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

The different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can be quite confusing to identify. There is an entire pantheon of these figures in Korean Buddhism. On top of it, there are various shaman deities like the popular Sanshin (Mountain Spirit), Dokseong (Lonely Saint) and Chilseong (Seven Stars) to contend with, as well. However, probably the most striking image of the lot is the figure of Gwanseeum-bosal (Bodhisattva of Compassion). And with the troubles and difficulties facing the world today, she might be what the world needs a little more of in the New Year ahead.

Outside the Daeung-jeon Hall, which houses the image of Seokgamoni-bul (Historical Buddha), the next most popular place at a Korean Buddhist temple is the Gwaneum-jeon Hall. The Gwaneum-jeon Hall houses the ornate image of Gwanseeum-bosal, who is known as Avalokitesvara in Sanskrit. The compassion that Gwanseeum-bosal embodies, especially in Korean Buddhism, is that of unconditional love and mercy. As a result, this shrine hall is often packed all hours of the day with worshipers.

A look inside the Gwaneum-jeon Hall at Songgwang Temple in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

In Mahayana Buddhism, to which Korean Buddhism belongs, a Bodhisattva, or “bosal” in Korean, is a person who has achieved nirvana (the end of the cycle of life and death), but this person delays entering nirvana to save sufferers through their compassion. As for a Buddha, or “bul” in Korean, there are, in fact, several. The word “Buddha” is a title that simply means “awakened one” in English. So it's to the former, rather than the latter, that Gwanseeum-bosal belongs.

A stone statue of Gwanseeum-bosal at Cheonbul Temple in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

In English, Gwanseeum-bosal means “the hearer of cries.” Gwanseeum-bosal, who is a Bodhisattva, was born from a ray of light emanating from the right eye of Amita-bul (Buddha of the Western Paradise). As for Gwanseeum-bosal's appearance, she's one of the easier figures to identify for a couple of reasons. First, Gwanseeum-bosal appears to be female. In India, Gwanseeum-bosal is thought to be male, but in Korea, she closely resembles a female, even though in some statues and paintings, she might still sport a mustache.

Gwanseeum-bosal at Beopju Temple in Boeun, North Chungcheong Province / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

The reason for this change came with the migration of Buddhism eastward, where emotions like compassion and mercy were traditionally thought to be feminine traits. Yet another easy way to identify Gwanseeum-bosal is the ornate crown that she wears upon her head. And in the center of this regal-looking crown, you'll find an image of Amita-bul squarely in the center of the headdress. This is a symbol of Gwanseeum-bosal's very birth.

A painting of Gwanseeum-bosal at Bulgap Temple in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

But beyond these features, the most common representation of Gwanseeum-bosal, at least in Korea, is the one where she has a thousand hands and eyes. These hands and eyes are used to reach out to those in need. In addition to these hands and eyes, Gwanseeum-bosal can also be seen with nine or 11 heads, which represents her all-knowing understanding and acceptance of nature. In her 11-headed incarnation, the three heads to the left represent anger, while the three to the right have serene smiles on their faces. The three heads to the rear bear an expression of compassion, while the largest one in the front exudes a balanced serenity. The 11th and final head at the very back is laughing, which is meant to symbolize her wisdom.

A thousand-armed statue of Gwanseeum-bosal at Girim Temple in Gyeongju / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

Perhaps the most elaborate of these images can be found at Girim Temple in eastern Gyeongju. And the most famous historic relief of Gwanseeum-bosal can be found inside the Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju behind the large, central figure of Seokgamoni-bul.

A replica of the relief from Seokguram Grotto at Seokbul Temple in Busan / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

However, this certainly doesn't limit what Gwanseeum-bosal can look like at Korean Buddhist temples. Gwanseeum-bosal can also appear in 33 different forms. These 33 forms exist so as to help save sentient beings and their different needs. With this in mind, she can also appear either seated or standing. She can also be holding any number of objects in her hands. One such object is a Kundika (ritual ewer), said to be filled with ambrosia for quenching the thirst of sentient beings while also washing away their troubles. In the other hand, Gwanseeum-bosal typically holds a willow spray, which represents her ability to sprinkle “sweet dew” on those in need. The willow, which has long been considered to be medicinal, also symbolizes her role as a healer.

As for where you can find Gwanseeum-bosal at a Korean Buddhist temple, you'll typically find her inside either a Gwaneum-jeon Hall or a Wontong-jeon Hall. The difference between the two isn't just in their names. While a Gwaneum-jeon Hall is a secondary shrine hall at a temple, a Wontong-jeon Hall is the main hall. However, in both, Gwanseeum-bosal is the central figure on the main altar. As for the meaning of Wontong-jeon Hall, it means “Passing Through with Ease” in English. This is a reference to the idea that Gwanseeum-bosal has the power to get through any difficulty.

An outdoor statue of Gwanseeum-bosal at Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

In addition to the main altar statues inside either a Wontong-jeon Hall or a Gwaneum-jeon Hall, you can also find Gwanseeum-bosal, often depicted near water alongside Yongwang (Dragon King). This depiction suggests her closeness to her paradise on Mount Potalaka. In paintings, Gwanseeum-bosal is often wearing white. In addition to her white clothing, she's often wearing jewelry and a regal crown. Arguably, the most impressive of these paintings is the historic painting found on the backside of the main altar from 1476 at Muwi Temple in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province.

The 1476 painting of Gwanseeum-bosal at Muwi Temple in Gangjin, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Dale Quarrington

Additionally, and because of her popularity, you can find large outdoor statues dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal that are several meters in height. Great examples of these statues can be found at Naksan Temple in Yangyang, Gangwon Province and Haedong Yonggung Temple in Gijang-gun, Busan.

So the next time you're at a Korean Buddhist temple, and you feel like you need a little help on an overall bad day, week or year, look to the ornate figure of Gwanseeum-bosal. Not only is she easy to find, but hopefully, she'll be able to offer you a bit of solace and compassion in the process.

Dale Quarrington has visited over 500 temples throughout the Korean Peninsula and published four books on Korean Buddhism. He runs the website Dale's Korean Temple Adventures.