1. Willow leaf guan yin 杨柳观音
"This refers to the flexibility of the bodhisattva to adept to the mind of sentient beings, liken to willow leaves swaying in the wind."
Otherwise known as bhaisajya-raja avalokitesvara 药王观音, who holds a vial of elixir in the left hand and a stalk of willow leaves in the right.
The elixir can cure all their physical and spiritual illnesses.
Devotees suffering from illnesses therefore pray especially to this manifestation, so this is also another popular form in China and South East Asia.
2. Dragon head guan yin 龙头观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a naga or yaksa, the bodhisattva will appear in these forms to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 天龙夜叉身 a naga or yaksa.
This form is sitting or standing on the back of a dragon flying through the clouds.
They are all celestial or supernatural beings.
But as the dragon is the highest of all beasts, it can be compared to the might of guan yin's powers.
3. Sutra holding guan yin 持经观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a sravaka, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 声闻身 a sravaka.
This form is seated on a rock with a scroll in the right hand.
A sravaka is an enlightened disciple of the buddha.
As sravakas attain enlightenment through listening to the dharma, the sutra is used as a symbol of teaching.
4. Complete hallow guan yin 圆光观音
"If there are sentient beings punished by kings, about to meet their ends by execution; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, the blade will shatter into many pieces."
Who appears inside an all encompassing hallow of light.
This form is seated on a rock with clasped palms.
The blazing flames behind this form is a symbol of such strength.
5. Wander jest guan yin 游戏观音
"If there are sentient beings pursued by evil men, and as a result fall off the admantine mountain; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, not a single hair on them will be injured."
Who appears falling from the admantine mountain.
This form is seated on rainbow colored clouds with one hand holding her raised knee and the other supporting her body.
The rainbow clouds are used as a symbol of such freedom of flight.
6. White robe guan yin 白衣观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a bhikku or bhikkuni, the bodhisattva will appear in these forms to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 比丘比丘尼身 a bhikku or bhikkuni.
This form is seated in meditation on a rock wearing a white robe.
It is the same as pandaravasini avalokitesvara of the garbhadhatu mandala.
A bhikku/bhikkuni is an ordained disciple of the buddha.
White symbolises the pure undefiled heart of enlightenment - the bodhicitta.
Incidentally this guan yin is also called the "mother-form", as almost all chinese depictions of guan yin are modeled in this image.
7. Lotus seated guan yin 莲卧观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a prince, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 小王身 a prince.
This form wears a crown and is seated in a lotus pond with clasped palms.
The exalted lotus seat represents his or her natural nobility.
8. Gush seeing guan yin 泷见观音
"If there are sentient beings to be harmed, by being pushed into a pit of fire; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, the burning pit will become a pond."
Who appears as transforming a burning pit into a pond.
This form is seated on a cliff gazing at a distant waterfall.
Thus it is also known as waterfall observing guan yin 观瀑观音
The gushing waters are used as a symbol of such salvation.
9. Joy giving guan yin 施乐观音
"Sentient beings are in great trouble and distress, subjected to endless cycles of suffering; but through avalokitesvara's wonderful wisdom, all worldly suffering can be saved."
Who appears like the sun in the sky.
This form sits beside a pond gazing at nearby lotuses, with one hand placed on her knee and the other on her cheek, as if in deep contemplation.
She constantly contemplates on how to relieve the suffering of sentient beings using her limitless wisdom, thus giving them true joy.
10. Fish basket guan yin 鱼篮观音
"If sentient beings meet with evil raksas, poisonous nagas and other demons; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, immediately none will dare to harm them."
Who appears to save those running into evil 罗刹 raksas.
This form is standing on a great koi fish with crossed hands, sometimes holding a fish basket.
The great koi fish is a symbol of majesty that awes the raksas, nagas and demons into submission, and the basket is where they will be contained.
11. Virtuous king guan yin 德王观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by mahabrahma, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 梵王身 mahabrahma.
This form sits in the lotus posture on a rock, holding a branch of willow leaves in the right hand and the left hand rests below his navel.
Mahabrahma is the primal sentient being and the creator deity of the hindu faith.
After the buddha appeared he has since become a guardian deity. He is lord of the realm of form, thus extremely exalted in virtue.
This is comparable to the virtue of guan yin, so this form is named virtuous king.
12. Water moon guan yin 水月观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a pratyeka buddha, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 辟支佛身 a pratyeka buddha.
This form is standing on a lotus petal floating on water with clapsed palms, gazing at the moon.
It is the same as udakasri avalokitesvara of the garbhakosa mandala.
A pratyeka buddha is a silent saint who is enlightened from realizing the 12 causal links of existence.
This pratyeka buddha form is shown to be able to realize the the truth of dependent origination by gazing at the moon observing its reflection in the water.
13. Single petal guan yin 一叶观音
"If there are sentient beings washed away by great waters, drifting helplessly in the flood; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will be able to reach shallow areas."
Who appears as 宰官身 a minister.
This form sits on a lotus petal floating on the water with one hand placed on his raised knee and the other supporting his body.
This form of guan yin is venerated for his ability to drift anywhere to help victims of water disasters.
14. Blue neck guan yin 青颈观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a buddha, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 佛身 a buddha.
This form is sitting on a rock with one hand placed on his raised knee and the other resting on another rock nearby.
A vial with a willow branch is placed beside him.
This form is the same as nilakantha avalokitesvara in vajrayana buddhism.
This form is venerated for its ability to cure diseases, alleviate sins and lengthen lifespans by swallowing the defilements of sentient beings into his throat, turning it dark.
That is why guan yin is sometimes called he with the blue neck.
15. Majestic virtue guan yin 威德观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a celestial general, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 天大将军身 a celestial general.
This form is sitting on a rock gazing at the water with one hand placed on the ground and the other holding a stalk of lotus.
This form is venerated for its ability to command awe and respect among all sentient beings with his majestic powers.
16. Life lengthening guan yin 延命观音
"If there are sentient beings plagued by curses and poisons, intending to cause bodily harm; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will be returned to the original senders."
Who appears protected from harm by curses and poisons.
This form rests behind a rock with one hand placed on his cheek in contemplation and the other placed on the rock.
She wears a precious crown with buddha amitabha manifested above, and her body is a deep yellow color.
This form of guan yin is venerated for she is able to protect sentient beings from harm by all curses and poisons, thus lengthening their lifespan.
17. All treasures guan yin 众宝观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by an elder, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 长者身 an elder.
This form is sitting on a coastal rock in contemplation with one hand placed on the ground and the other holding his raised left knee.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings seeking treasures from harm if they ever meet with raksas in unknown lands.
18. Rock enclave guan yin 岩户观音
"If there are snakes and scorpians, breathing out venom like smoky fire; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will all go away seeking this sound."
Who appears protected from snakes and scorpians.
This form sits meditating inside a rocky cave, gazing at the water.
This form of guan yin is venerated for she is able to protect sentient beings from harm by all snakes, scorpians and their venom.
19. Tranquility able guan yin 能静观音
"If there are measureless sentient beings going through from all kinds of suffering, who upon hearing the name of bodhisattva avalokitesvara, sincerely call on him; the bodhisattva will immediately answer their prayer and relieve them of all suffering."
Who appears in deep contemplation.
This form is leaning on a rock with both hands folded in front.
This form is venerated for its ability to give peace to sentient beings who become victims of disasters.
20. Anuda guan yin 阿耨观音
"If there are sentient beings castaway at sea, at the mercy of water dragons, fish and demons; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, waves will not be able to drown them."
Who appears protected from hostile denizens of the sea.
This form is sits on a rock with both hands placed on the raised left knee, gazing at a waterfall.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings who become shipwreck victims lost at sea.
21. Amate guan yin 阿麽提观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by vaisramana, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 毗沙门身 celestial king vaisramana.
This form is the same as the 4 armed amate avalokitesvara of the garbhakosa.
He is sitting on a rock with both hands placed on the raised left knee, gazing out at sea.
This form is venerated for its ability to bestow fearlessness towards all sentient beings.
22. Leaf cloaked guan yin 叶衣观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by sakra, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 帝释天身 sakra, king of the tavatimsa heaven, which is on the peak of mount sumeru.
This form is the same as parnashabari avalokitesvara of the garbhakosa.
He is sitting in the lotus posture on a rock with both hands folded in front.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from various diseases, lengthening life and also to protect households.
23. Colored glaze guan yin 琉璃观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by isvaradeva, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 自在天身 isvaradeva.
Isvaradeva is lord of the paranirmita-vashavartin heaven, the highest heaven in the realm of desire where he is considered the supreme deity.
This form is the same as gandharaja avalokitesvara of the garbhakosa. Also known as 高王观音 high king guan yin.
He is standing on a lotus petal floating on the water. In his hands is a incense burner made of colored glaze.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from many types of untimely death.
24. Tara guan yin 多罗观音
"If there are sentient beings surrounded by hostile bandits, each wielding a sword ready to slay; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will immediately turn merciful."
Who appears protected from hostile bandits.
This form is the same as bodhisattva tara of the garbhakosa.
As we know tara means 'eye' or 'deliverer'.
He is standing on a cloud floating in the sky.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from being harmed by vicious bandits.
25. Clam guan yin 蛤蜊观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a bodhisattva, the bodhisattva will appear as himself to teach them the dharma."
Who appears who appears as a 菩萨身 bodhisattva.
This form seats in meditation behind a giant clam.
This form originated from the legends among China's coastal fishermen, and is venerated by them for its ability to protect them on their fishing trips out to sea.
26. Six period guan yin 六时观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a upasaka, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as a 居士身 upasaka (layman).
This form stands on a rock holding a sutra text in his right hand.
This form is so called because it constantly radiates compassion towards all sentient beings, throughout the six 2-hourly periods of both day and night.
27. Universal compassion guan yin 普悲观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by mahesvara, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as 大自在天身 mahesvara.
Mahesvara is originally shiva of the hindu faith, but after being converted by the buddha he has since become a guardian deity.
He is also thought to be the highest deity in the realm of form, thus very exalted in power and virtue.
This form stands on a mountain top with both hands crossed and concealed in his robes.
This form is so called because its universal and equal compassion is able to benefit all sentient beings, just as the power and virtue of mahevsara is known by all.
28. Lady ma guan yin 马郎妇观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a lady, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as a 妇女身 lady.
This form stands with both hands crossed in front, and is garbed in a celestial dress.
During the reign of emperor xianzong of the tang dynasty, in the year 817 AD this form appeared in the 陕右 shanyou district to convert the populace there.
The people of shanyou is fond of hunting and archery, and have never heard of the dharma.
Thus the bodhisattva appeared as a beautiful lady and enticed the men to ask for her hand, but on the condition that they can memorize 3 mahayana sutra texts.
So after 3 rounds of competition only a young man of the ma family could memorize all the texts.
So she married this young man, only to die the next day.
A few days after she was buried an old monk appeared, asking that the grave be lifted.
In it they found that only a golden collar bone remained.
The old monk then revealed to them that this lady is actually a manifestation of guan yin, who took pity on the people here and thus came to teach them.
As he finished his words the old monk simply vanished.
From then on the populace of shanyou mostly became devout buddhists.
29. Clasped palms guan yin 合掌观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a brahmin, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as a 婆罗门身 brahmin.
Brahmins are people of the priest caste, thus having the highest standing in indian society.
This form stands on a lotus with both palms clasped in salute.
Although this form is of noble caste, but it is free from egoistic pride, humbly saluting all sentient beings as future buddhas.
30. Oneness guan yin 一如观音
"If there thunderous clouds spitting bolts of lightning, dropping hailstones and showering great rain; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will all disperse in due time."
Who appears in control of storms.
This form sits on a lotus seat on top of a floating storm cloud, with both hands placed on her raised left knee.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect sentient beings from disastrous storms.
31. Non-dual guan yin 不二观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a vajra holder, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as a 执金刚身 vajra holder (guardian deity).
This form stands on a lotus leaf floating on the water, with both hands lowered and crossed in front.
This form is venerated for its ability to protect all buddhas from unwholesome forces.
Non-dual refers to the nature of the bodhisattva's fierce and peaceful manifestations.
32. Lotus holding guan yin 持莲观音
"If there are those that can be liberated by a boy or girl child, the bodhisattva will appear in this form to teach them the dharma."
Who appears as a 童男童女身 boy/girl child.
This form, who wears a crown, is the same as bodhisattva padmapani of the garbhakosa.
It stands on a floating lotus leaf, with both hands holding a long stalk of 2 lotuses, one bloomed and the other half-bloomed.
It symbolizes the fully enlightened mind together with the mind journeying towards enlightenment.
As we may know, this lotus is a symbol of the bodhisattva's fundamental vow.
33. Water sprinkling guan yin 洒水观音
"If there are sentient beings washed away by great waters, drifting helplessly in the flood; by the power of invoking avalokitesvara, they will be able to reach shallow areas."
Who appears controlling the flood waters.
It stands on a rock holding a bowl in the left hand and sprinkling water from it with a willow stalk in the right hand.
This is exactly the same as single petal guan yin. Likewise, this form is venerated for its ability to save victims of water disasters.