Quan Yin is one of the most beloved deities/bodhisattvas in Buddhist cultures.  Her unceasing compassion and nurturing qualities are an inspiration to all.  Given that she is one of the most prominent women deities/bodhisattvas in a Buddhist pantheon filled with men, it is no surprise that women in particular are drawn to Quan Yin as a role model.  Indeed, in many Buddhist cultures, women are exhorted to be as self-sacrificing and gentle as Quan Yin—to always put the needs of their families and friends before their own welfare.  However, if women have not been properly grounded in the Buddhist metaphysics from which Quan Yin arises, then their self-sacrificing efforts may only enforce their low status in society.  And, ironically, by remaining in the circumscribed place in which their society sets them, these Buddhist women are less able, ultimately, to do the bodhisattva work that Quan Yin inspires.

In particular, to counteract the social biases facing  women in Buddhist cultures, a thorough understanding of sunyata (emptiness) as it applies to self and others, as well as a deep understanding of maitri (loving kindness) and karuna (compassion) as it applies to oneself and others should be employed as a remedy.  Most Buddhist women intuitively understand Buddhism’s concept of the interdependent web of relations.  As mothers, daughters and sisters, they have a clear conception that their actions and beliefs effect not just themselves, but their families, and by extension, the greater society and all sentient beings as well.  Also, as mothers and care-takers, most Buddhist women have empathy for the suffering of others and compassionately try to alleviate this pain.  However, as these women model themselves on Quan Yin, they should keep in mind that Quan Yin is a fully realized being who has a thorough understanding of the emptiness of phenomenon and self.  She is not caught up in ego-clinging; nor is she trapped by aversion to her ego self.  Quan Yin is able to be such a powerful bodhisattva because she has done the work of accepting herself as she is in the present/here/now—she sees her inner Buddha nature.   Also, the bodhisattva has no delusions about the need to conform to her society’s claims on her.  Indeed, in one Quan Yin story, so that she might pursue her spiritual own path, she rejects the strong wishes of her royal family, entering a monastery instead.  Quan Yin’s loving kindness and compassion are not only outwardly directed, but also directed inwards.  To use a crude analogy, when on a plane in a crisis situation which involves the use of oxygen masks, flight attendants always request that people put on their own oxygen masks first, before helping others who are less capable.  This analogy may help Buddhist women better envision their role in a biased society and understand the importance of pursuing their own Buddhist meditation practice.