Guanyin is the bodhisattva associated with compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists; usually as a female. The name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin which means 'Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the World'. She is also sometimes referred to as Guanyin Pusa.

In Buddhism; a bodhisattva is either an enlightened (bodhi) existence (sattva) or an enlightenment-being or; given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva; 'heroic-minded one (satva) for enlightenment (bodhi).' Another term is 'wisdom-being.' It is anyone who; motivated by great compassion; has generated bodhicitta; which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.