Avalokiteśvara (Sanskrit: अवलोकितेश्वर lit. `Lord who looks down`) is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. This bodhisattva is variably depicted and portrayed in different cultures as either female or male. Avalokiteśvara is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism..... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokiteśvara
In Mahayana Buddhism, one of the most important bodhisattvas, seen as embodying compassion. He is an emanation of Amida Buddha. In China, as Kuan Yin, and Japan, as Kannon, he is confused with his female consort, becoming the popular goddess of mercy Found on https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21221