Guanyin

Sōzan Genkyō, 1799 - 1869

Here the Buddhist deity Guanyin meditates under a willow beside the water. The inscription mentions his mercy and compassion for all living beings. Compassion is an essential part of Zen. ‘The willow is firm and flexible Guanyin is a willow His infinite compassion eases all suffering His vow to save all beings is as deep as the ocean.’