A form of the bodhisattva (see Bodhisattva) Avalokiteśvara (see Avalokiteśvara), Guanyin in China becomes female and one of the most popular of Chinese deities (see Chinese Deities). In Japan she is the sometimes masculine, sometimes feminine Kannon (see Kannon). Guanyin is the provider of children (see Descent to the Underworld).
