Water Moon Guan Yin 水月观音

The term “Guanyin Bodhisattva“ translates “Avalokiteśvara“ from Sanskrit, with the “Water-Moon Guanyin“ as one of Guanyin's 33 forms. Many esteemed artists have depicted this version, often weaving in themes of water and the moon. Here, the reflection of the moon on water symbolizes the transient, insubstantial nature of all things.

“观音菩萨“一词是梵文“Avalokiteśvara“的翻译,其中“水月观音“是观音三十三种化身之一。许多著名的艺术家描绘了这一形象,常常融入水和月亮的主题。在这里,水中月亮的倒影象征着万物的无常与虚幻。

Celebrated by both religious and art communities, this “Water-Moon Guanyin“ mural stands as a remarkable representation of Guanyin. It incorporates traditional Buddhist elements like jeweled crowns, necklaces, celestial garments, flowing veils, and a soft, radiant halo that enrich the scene. Figures such as Sudhana, Skanda, a golden-maned mystical lion, and a parrot are arranged with balance and symmetry. The expansive background of clouds and water showcases auspicious clouds, a purple bamboo grove, red peonies, red coral, mangrove trees, osmanthus, orchids, a precious vase, symbols of “longevity mountain and blissful ocean,“ clear springs, and flowing waters—all artfully painted to evoke a calm and idealized sacred realm.

这幅“水月观音“壁画备受宗教和艺术界推崇,被认为是观音造像的杰出代表。壁画采用了传统佛教元素,如宝冠、璎珞、天衣、纱幔和柔和的光环,使画面更加丰富生动。画面中,善财童子、韦驮天、金鬃狮和鹦鹉等人物形象被巧妙地对称排列,平衡和谐。在辽阔的云水背景中,点缀着祥云、紫竹林、红牡丹、红珊瑚、木棉树、桂花树、兰花、宝瓶,以及象征“寿山福海”的清泉流水等,精心描绘出宁静理想的神圣境界。

Together, these elements reflect the Buddhist philosophy that “all things lack substance; water and moon are but illusions.“ Drawing from the rich iconographic traditions of the Tang and Song dynasties, this portrayal imbues Guanyin with lifelike features and emotional depth, exuding warmth, compassion, and a serene countenance that fully embodies the Buddhist ideals of spiritual transcendence and liberation.

这些元素共同反映了佛教“诸法无实体,水月皆空“的哲理。此画借鉴了唐宋时期丰富的观音造像传统,为观音赋予了生动的面容和情感,使她散发出温暖、慈悲和宁静的气质,充分体现了佛教的精神超脱与解脱理想。

Gazing quietly at the Water-Moon Guanyin, viewers are invited to reflect on Buddhism's profound spiritual teachings, experiencing a gentle sense of emptiness and ultimate compassion. It is as if they are drawn beyond the self, captivated and uplifted by the serene presence that inspires peace and inner clarity.

静静地凝视水月观音,观者被邀请去体会佛教深邃的精神教义,感受到一种温柔的空寂和终极的慈悲,仿佛超越自我,沉浸于宁静之中,内心获得安宁与清澈的启示。

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Summary of Water Moon Guan Yin

The Water-Moon Guanyin, a serene form of Guanyin Bodhisattva, symbolizes the transience of all things, with her reflection in the water evoking the calm, compassionate nature of enlightenment.

水月观音,观音菩萨的宁静化身,象征着万物的无常,她在水中的倒影唤起了觉悟的宁静与慈悲本质。