Asian Antiques

Why are Buddharupa sometimes depicted with a halo like in Christian imagery of angels?

I have noticed in several depictions of the Buddha that there are halos painted around the head in a circle shape. I have especially studied the Guanyin at the Nelson in Kansas City and the mural of buddhas behind them, all with halos. I know that one of the ‘minor’ characteristics of the physical body of the Buddha is that lights emantes for 2 meters all around it…which could sort of explain it but, the depictions are a circle around the head only. Does anyone have a simple explanation for this? I find it fascinating that two wholly separate cultures could imagine the same symbol for divinity.

It is a sign of enlightenment. Various cultures throughout the world have used some form of light coming from the head as the sign of enlightenment or divinity. This is why in many cultures the king or ruler wore a crown of gold, (reflected the sun light and gave the appearance of a halo).

Kwan Yin

Kuan Yin Mantra $16.95 In this evocative collection of harmonious Buddhist chants and powerful sacred mantras, Imee Ooi, acclaimed musician and composer, guides you on a profound musical journey toward universal love, peace and global harmony. Composed with genuine compassion and loving kindness for all humanity, this music is designed to evoke feelings of gratitude, peace and joy and return you to a state of oneness wi…

Tie Guan Yin Oolong Tea – Iron Goddess of Mercy $8.49 Tie Guan Yin is another of China’s top ten teas. Tie Guan Yin translates as Iron Goddess of Mercy. The tea itself is as grand as its name. Oolong tea is partially or semi-fermented, they have some of the qualities of both black and green teas. Oolong teas are beautiful and full bodied with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma….

FooJoy Tie Guan Yin Tea – 100 Individually Wrapped Tea Bags (7.0 Oz) $16.00 Tie Guan Yin Tea is named for the Goddess of Mercy, KGuan Yin, and legend tells of a tea cultivator who was presented with a special tea plant by the goddess as a reward for his devotion. The Goddess of Mercy is a popular, widely wor-shipped deity, and only Guan Yin Tea holds the distinction of being identified with her….

Tie Guanyin Oolong (100g), ???,??? $8.99 The processing of Tieguanyin tea (TGY) is complex and requires expertise. Even if the tea leaf is of high raw quality, and is plucked at the ideal time, if it is not processed correctly its true character will not be shown. This is why the method of processing Tieguanyin Tea was kept a secret. 1.plucking tea leaves.(cai qing) 2.sun withering. (shai qing) 3.cooling. (liang qing) 4.tossing. (yao qi…

Chinese – New Year – Name Specific Guan-yin – Blessing Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Chinese New Year cards & photo Chinese New Year cards from Greeting Card Universe will bring a smile to your loved ones’ face. Whether for one person or the whole family, a paper card will make your Chinese New Year memorable this year. Send a paper Chinese New Year card from Greeting Card Universe this year. This paper card includes the follo…

Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin (Shambhala Dragon Editions) $5.35 This portrait of the Buddhist embodiment of compassion is both an informative study by a leading scholar of Buddhism and an engaging account of the author’s search for the mystical significance of the goddess. An object of joyous devotion in Chinese folk religion, Kuan Yin is revered for her saving power: it is said that anyone in distress who calls on her with sincerity will be rescued from suffe…

Kuan Yin: Accessing the Power of the Divine Feminine $4.58 When you invoke the name of the bodhisattva Kuan Yin, beloved goddess of compassion, you are calling upon a powerful force to bring you strength, healing, and unconditional love. With Kuan Yin: Accessing the Power of the Divine Feminine, author and devotee Daniela Schenker offers a beautiful and useful resource for connecting to Kuan Yin’s energy through art, story, and your own spiritual practice…

Kuan-yin : the Chinese transformation of Avalokitesìvara $33.96 By far one of the most important objects of worship in the Buddhist traditions, the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is regarded as the embodiment of compassion. He has been widely revered throughout the Buddhist countries of Asia since the early centuries of the Common Era. While he was closely identified with the royalty in South and Southeast Asia, and the Tibetans continue to this day to view the Da…