Throughout East Asia Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva has been one of the most popular divinities in the Mahayana pantheon. He is known as Kuan yin in Chinese，and Kwannon-Sama in Japanese. We shall concentrate our discussion in the following chapters.
1. The origin of `Avalokitesvara` Bodhisattva Regarding the origin of Kual yin，the Sutra on the Prophey concerning `Avalokitesvara` Bodhisattva indicates a combination of mythical and mysterious elements. It is stated that he was a spiritual contemporary of Sakyamuni Buddha and there was com-munication between the bodhisattvas of the Pure Land and the presiding Buddha of India. Further it is indicated that he would eventually succeed Amitabha Buddha.
2. `Avalokitesvara` in Buddhist philosophy The Mayopama-samadhi-Sutra, Lotus Sutra, and the Heart Sutra provide additional insight into the philosophical significance related to Kuan yin. These texts enunciate the Mahayanic virtues of perfect wisdom and compassion. Symbolically then, Kuan yin becomes the embodiment of these ideals. In his infinite wisdom and compassion he takes on a universal status transcending temporal and cultural boundaries.
3. The historical sources and sacred sanctuaries Based on the translations of Sanskrit works such as the Lotus Sutra and the Sukhavati-vvuha-Sutra, it is evident that from the second to the fifth centuries the worship of Kuan yin began to gain popularity. Later when Fa-hsien and Hsuan-tsang visited India it is recorded in their writings that many shrines and sanctuaries were dedicated to Kuan yin. In addition，during the sixth century the famous Mount P'u-t'o shan (Potala) in China became a famous spot of pilgrimage associated with Kuan yin. Similarly，the official residence of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa is also known as Potala in his honor.
4. The interaction of psychology and religion Generally humans are faced with numerous struggles and uncertainties such as natural，social, and biological dangers. During such crises, faith in the saving power of Kuan yin can give one the necessary strength and hope，thus making a suitable solution possible. It is in this interaction of faith and positive thinkinh that the interplay of psychological and religious concerns is achieved.
5. Kuan yin in Asian Art In India the bodhisattva was depicted in masculine form while feminine images are a distinctly Chinese creation. With the development of Tantric Buddhism around the fifth century the artistic presentation about him became more sophisticated. Eventually there evolved a system of seven Kuan yins：1. Arya Kuan yin，2. Elevenheadaed Kuan yin，3. Kuan yin with a thousand arms, 4. Kuan yin with a lasso，5. Kuan yin with a wishing gem and wheel，6. Chundi Kuan yin，and 7. Horse-headed Kuan yin. The traditional human form，however
