Is Guanyin Bodhisattva a man or a woman? Why do men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha?

There is a saying that men worship Guanyin and women believe in Buddhism. Nowadays, everyone likes to go to the temple to worship Guanyin when they have something to do, because Guanyin Bodhisattva has boundless power and can make wishes come true. So is Guanyin Bodhisattva a man or a woman? Why do men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha?

Is Guanyin Bodhisattva a man or a woman?

There is no gender distinction for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are male images;

Whether it is Buddha or Bodhisattva, there is no distinction between genders. All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are masculine. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are Dharma bodies. They are different from ordinary people and have no male or female bodies. The reason why statues are distinguished by male and female images is just a convenient method of Buddhism to save people, in order to better inspire and save sentient beings. The Sutra says: The brave and mighty man Avalokitesvara lives in this mountain to benefit all living beings. You should go to him and ask him about his merits and virtues, and he will show you great conveniences.

Buddhism was first introduced to the Central Plains from ancient India, and the statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva were portrayed as male. But later, Buddhist culture became deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and was gradually sinicized. Because Guanyin Bodhisattva's spirit of great compassion and saving people from suffering was more in line with the loving characteristics of women, she was gradually shaped into a female image. Until now, the Guanyin Bodhisattva we often see is a female. But Bodhisattvas have no gender. What we should learn is the Bodhisattva’s gentle nature, give up our bad habits such as greed, anger, and ignorance, and do not develop attachment or discrimination.

Why do men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha?

The main reason why men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha is due to the differences in personality between men and women. Whether you wear Guanyin or Buddha, it is to express good wishes to yourself or others, to give spiritual sustenance and to make yourself more confident.

1. Men wear Guanyin

When men wear Guanyin, they may be influenced by her gentle and dignified temperament, which can increase their tenderness and add feminine beauty to their masculinity. But in addition to this, "Guanyin" also has the homonym of "official seal", so it also implies a prosperous official career, a smooth career, and the good wishes of being able to be awarded a title, get promoted, and get rich.

2. Female Buddha

Women are gentle and beautiful, with delicate minds, so they think about many things and will consider everything over and over again. Their minds are heavy. Therefore, wearing a Buddha, especially the smiling Maitreya Buddha, can invisibly untie the knots in their hearts, dissipate the depression, and make their minds broad and open. Moreover, "Buddha" is homophonic with "Fu", which has the beautiful meaning of blessing from generation to generation, a blessed life, a happy life, and a family full of blessings.