Quan Yin is unique among Buddhist gods because she evokes love not fear. Originally, a male god who chose to remain on earth to relieve suffering rather than enter Nirvana, in the 12th century the god became a goddess whose name means One Who Sees and Hears the Cry from the Human World.
Today, Tetsuya and Chieko Higa have carved a large granite Quan Yin statue in the hills above Nago so she can hear the prayers of Okinawans. Joined by the spirits of those who fought during the Battle of Okinawa, Quan Yin protects the people of Okinawa. "The spirits of American and Japanese," Chieko explains. Reading the peace prayer carved into a large granite rock she says:
Even the winners.
Even the losers.
Are all dead.
The oceans of Okinawa
Become quiet.
- Yokoyama Takesei.
Explaining the Feng Shui of the monument, Chieko says that the ocean in front brings wealth and the mountain behind supports the wealth. In 2008 she and her 88 year old husband wanted to share that wealth by building a monument to protect Okinawa, including the Goddess of Mercy flanked by two walls; one a song to celebrate nature and the beauty of Okinawa, the other a prayer for peace.
The family welcomes visitors to their monument, including foreigners. If you're fortunate she will be there to explain (in Japanese) her passion for peace and share a sunset. If it's cloudy, you can experience the sunset through her eyes.
EnjoY the longwaYround!