From Hariti to Multi-child Guanyin:the evolution of Indigenous Images of the Buddhist Deity for Childbirth
Initially,Hariti (Guizimu) was an influential deity in Indian folklore. After the birth of Buddhism,its pro-found inclusiveness and influence led to its incorporation into Buddhist belief. During the pre-Qin period,there had been the belief in"mother of nine sons"(Jiuzimu) in China,which was a local deity of sending children. As Buddhism spread eastward,the Hariti faith also entered Central China and merged with the indigenous belief in"mother of nine sons",and Hariti became a deity for childbirth. In a long historical period,Hariti in Buddhism was called the "mother of nine sons"by ordinary people. The two deities are related,but also have their own differences. With the emergence of Guanyin as a deity for childbirth,Hariti combined with the "mother of nine sons" to become multi-child Guanyin in the original Chu cultural region,worshipped by ordinary believers seeking offspring.
Hariti,Mother of Nine SonsMulti-child Guanyindeity for childbirth
万方数据
维普
