Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin (Shambhala Dragon Editions) (Paperback)

by John Blofeld (Author) "Among these questions, the last is soonest answered..." (more)
Key Phrases: being recite, sweet dew, Kuan Yin, Pure Land, Miao Shan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The author evokes the charming presence of the Goddess of Compassion through colorful anecdotes and descriptions of rituals and legends.

From the Inside Flap
The author evokes the charming presence of the Goddess of Compassion through colorful anecdotes and descriptions of rituals and legends.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (February 12, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877731268
• ISBN-13: 978-0877731269
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #169,076 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories, philosophy and history of Kuan Yin., May 16, 2002

By	Stuart-Little - See all my reviews

This is perhaps my favorite book by John Blofeld. The stories of Kuan Yin are well told, diverse and moving. He strikes an excellent balance between philosophy, history, story telling, Kuan Yin meditation techniques, and personal devotion.

There are a few pages of b/w photos, of Kuan Yin, Tara and Avalokiteshvara, the pictures vary in quality. However, many of them I have never seen before and a few definitely inspire devotion.

The fact that John Blofeld lived and traveled in China, his joyous devotion to Kuan Yin, and his knowledge of the Chinese language and culture adds immensely to the book and puts it in a class by itself.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meeting Kuan Yin, July 8, 2005

By	dhamcho - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful book. It's become my favorite "bedtime stories" book. What I especially like is that the engrossing tales of personal experiences with Kuan Yin (as well as some with Tara) create for readers our own "virtual" experience of a Bodhisattva being as a reality; I feel I'm actually meeting Her, and I fall asleep in a very pleasant mood. I love many Buddhist books, but "Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin" is certainly one of the most absorbing and intimate. It's often whimsical and sometimes funny. At the same time there is a lot of new knowledge to be gained here, especially for people in the West who may not be so familiar with details of who Kuan Yin is and how she is regarded in the East. Also, there is wisdom, and good discussions of universal Buddhist concepts.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kwan Yin Society highly recommends this book!, June 8, 1999

By A Customer

This is the classic Kwan Yin book in English.Very interesting historical information. When the author peeks out from behind his scholarly facade, the book really shines.