Kannon意思

"Kannon" (観音) is a Japanese word that refers to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in Buddhism. Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva associated with compassion and is known for helping those in need. In Japan, Kannon is one of the most widely venerated Buddhist deities, and many temples are dedicated to her.

The name "Kannon" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Avalokitesvara," which means "the lord who looks down." In Japanese, the character 観 (kan) means "to observe" or "to watch," and the character 音 (on) means "sound" or "voice." Together, the name Kannon is understood to mean "the one who looks and listens to the world with compassion."

Kannon is often depicted with multiple arms, each holding a different attribute, symbolizing the many ways in which she helps sentient beings. One of the most well-known depictions is of Kannon with 11 heads and 1,000 arms, although there are many other forms as well.

In Japanese Buddhism, Kannon is particularly associated with the Six Realms of Rebirth and is said to take different forms to help beings in each realm. For example, she is known as the "Kannon of the Descending Ladder" (下降三尊), who helps beings in the realm of hungry ghosts, and the "Kannon of the Ascending Ladder" (上升三尊), who guides beings in the realm of animals.

Kannon is also associated with the concept of saving all beings without discrimination, and many temples in Japan have a statue of Kannon with the inscription "Nanjo Butsudo" (南無救世), which means "Homage to the savior of the world."

In addition to being a religious figure, Kannon has also become a popular cultural icon in Japan, appearing in literature, art, and folklore.