She is the goddess of compassion who achieved enlightenment long ago but refused to go on to total bliss until all suffering humanity could go with her. She is a sympathetic goddess who would aid women in childbirth and sailors at sea. She fulfilled needs in Chinese religious life similar to those answered by Mother Mary in western culture. Whenever help is needed, Lady Kuan Yin can manifest her calm, loving presence. She brings comfort and inner peace, no matter what the outer circumstances.
"If any is carried away by a flood, call upon her name, they will immediately reach the shallows . . . or if anyone cries who is in deadly peril by the sword, the sword will be snapped asunder. If wicked demons attach, the one who cries wil become invisible to them ..."
-- from the Lotus Sutra