One of the key event of the 25th anniversary celebration of Than Hsiang Buddhist welfare association is the launching of the commemorative pure gold Guan Yin medallion. The medalions are produced by Singapore Mint. Being one of the most revered and beloved Bodhisattva, Guan Yin has become the epitome of compassion for all aspiring bodhisattva, thus earning the epithet of the maha-bodhisatva of great compassion.

Guan Yin Bodhisattva aka. Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, Guanjizai Bodhisattva, an embodiment of the great compassion is known in Sanskrit as Avalokitesvara ,which means one who look down from above and hear the voices of the sentient world. The Bodhisattva endeavour to liberate all suffering beings .

Guan Yin is depicted in the male form after its introduction to China during the Song dynasty around 1st C.E. . Images which later displayed attributes of both genders are believed to be in accordance with the Lotus Sutra , where Avalokitesvara has the supernatural power of assuming any form required as skillful means to relieve suffering. In Chinese Buddhist iconography, Guan Yin is depicted in female form because this bodhisattva is considered the personification of compassion and kindness, a mother-goddess and patron of mothers and seamen.

During the Chinese cultural revolution, many of the temples and Buddha statues were destroyed, except the Buddha statues at the Shaanxi province which are preserved intact. The Guan Yin statue in Than Hsiang temple’s Ta Pei Dian (Great Compassion Shrine ) is the replica of the Guan Yin statute of Song Dynasty in Shaanxi.

The above image of Guan Yin enshrined in the Ta Pei Dian is depicted in the commemorative medallion . The Guan Yin statue was highly praised by the abbot of Putuoshan Temple for its excellent craftmanship , serene and dignified composure, when he visited Than Hsiang Temple.

On the reverse side of the medallion is inscribed the mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM: it is the six syllabled mantra of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Guan Yin. Each medallion is created with the finest craftmanship and worthy of as a gift or collector item.

The launch ceremony for the Guan Yin medallion will be held at 5.30pm on 31/7/2010(wed) at Than Hsiang Temple. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Than Hsiang Buddhist Welfare Association, the quoter- ounce pure gold medallion will be offered to the public at RM 2200.00 per set for a limited edition of two thousand sets only. A complimentary crystal statue of Guan Yin will also be given away for each set of medallion purchased.