It is generally accepted (in Chinese community) that Guanyin originated as the Sanskrit AvalokiteÅ›vara(अवलोकितेशà¥à¤µà¤°), which is her male form. Commonly known in the West as the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin is also revered by Chinese Taoists as an Immortal. However, in Taoist mythology, Guan Yin has other origination stories which are not directly related to AvalokiteÅ›vara