The term kindness means love for all beings. Compassion starts with sorrow at the suffering of all beings and induces action to reduce their suffering.

Apart from Amitabha Buddha, there are two great Bodhisattvas in Suhkavati, namely Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta in Buddhism. These three sages are known as “Three Holy Ones in the West”. As one of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara represents the pinnacle of kindness and compassion, and consequently is known as “The Great Compassion Bodhisattva”. Avalokitesvara is one of the most important and popular Buddhist deities in East Asia and Tibet. According to Buddhist sutras, Avalokitesvara transforms into many different forms so as to cross over all the beings. She has vowed to save all sentient beings from the nearly endless round of sufferings in samsara.

Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara is one of the incarnations of Avalokitesvara. Her thousand arms and eyes are used to support and guide the world of mortals. She has altogether eleven faces. Her two front arms clasp together to carry a Muni pearl while another two arms hold a flower and a mala respectively, which typifies her endless wish to save mankind from all sufferings. Similar to a peacock spreading its tail, Avalokitesvara spreads out her thousand hands like a fan in a few layers, and this symbolizes the release of enlightenment and wisdom.