Eight Zodiac Guardians – Thousand Hands Guan Yin
The Thousand Hands Guan Yin (千手观音) is the designated guardian for those born in the year of the rat (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996). As one of the most notable and formidable manifestations of the Goddess Guan Yin, she is one of the most beloved deities amongst the Buddhist pantheon.
Guan Yin celebrates her birthday thrice a year – each marking a pivotal point in her path to enlightenment. These milestones emphasise her enduring devotion towards the betterment of humanity and are a staunch reflection of her commitment to fostering unlimited human potential — values that are deeply resonant with the Imperial Harvest ethos.
Out of the myriad of manifestations that Guan Yin is able to assume, the Thousand Hands Guan Yin is the most powerful; and remains the most recognised manifestation. Those born in the year of the rat share a strong affinity with the Thousand Hands Guan Yin.
It is a common scholarly belief that the Thousand Hands Guan Yin originated in India around the 7th century (600s B.C.), with the creation of the Silk Road spreading her influence to the rest of East and Southeast Asia. In Buddhist traditions, Guan Yin is often depicted and revered alongside the Buddha Amitabha (zodiac guardian of the dog and boar) and the Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva (zodiac guardian of the horse), with the collective trio referred to as the “Three Saints of the West”.
To hearken back to the legend of the great zodiac race, the victory of the rat teaches us many valuable lessons. Despite its minuscule stature, the rat displayed a wealth of intelligence, quick-wittedness, diligence, adaptability, clarity and open-mindedness.
The forward-thinking nature of the rat, and its thoughtful decision-making reflects a preparatory, self-reflective attitude that ultimately paved the way for its triumph over the other zodiac animals.
The 16th century Ming dynasty novel, Complete Tale of Guanyin and the Southern Seas (南海觀音全撰), highlights one of the more popular accounts of the Thousand Hands Guan Yin.
According to legend, Amitabha Buddha bestowed eleven heads upon the Thousand Hands Guan Yin, providing her with the wisdom required to understand and overcome mankind’s complex challenges. She was also granted a keen observation of opportunities and possibilities alike. She was also bestowed with a thousand hands, giving her the abilities required to bless those in need.
The Iconic Fine Jadeite Thousand Hands Guan Yin
The Eight Zodiac Guardians collection immortalises the Thousand Hands Guan Yin’s likeness in Imperial Harvest-grade jadeite, and is inspired by her noble mission of empowering humanity in achieving their fullest potential.
Catering to those born in the year of the rat, the Thousand Hands Guan Yin accelerates breakthroughs and advancements in our blessed clients’ ventures. With blessings bestowed by the Thousand Hands Guan Yin, destined owners find themselves overcoming challenges in their personal and professional lives.
The auspicious emblems featured in the Fine Jadeite Thousand Hands Guan Yin hold symbolic significance, and are attributed with different functions to aid devotees.
A receptacle meant to contain scriptures and teachings, it is conceptually representative of a treasure box. The Bodhi Sutra Box amplifies an individual’s wisdom and intelligence, surrounding them with industry-leading mentors on their path towards financial success and breakthroughs.
Never Receding Dharma Wheel
The dharma wheel is a chariot wheel with eight spokes – representing eight streams of active and passive income. Hence, the dharma wheel is an emblem of Guan Yin’s vow to help humanity to achieve abundance and success.
Agarwood Beads
Numerous accounts across history have depicted Guan Yin with a necklace of agarwood beads draped around her neck. In Imperial Feng Shui, agarwood is a powerful amplifier of an individual’s direct wealth capacity, expanding your income potential from your career and business.
Serving as a symbol of financial abundance, the Vase of Wisdom forges powerful networks, connections and bonds between the wearer and their benefactors.
Gold Ingot
A symbol of wealth, prosperity and success, the gold ingot held by the Thousand Hands Guan Yin enables the wearer to achieve their career aspirations and attract golden opportunities to make the next quantum leap.
Trident of Light
One of the most powerful mediums wielded by the Thousand Hands Guan Yin, representing triumph over malefactors, obstacles and challenges. The trident empowers us to overcome our challenges and obstacles – allowing us to achieve our fullest potential in our career, business and investment ventures.
The Sun And Moon Disc are physical representations of Guan Yin’s shedding light over darkness, illuminating the path to success for her devotees, enabling them to gain clarity, focus and insights to achieve their goals.
Obstacle Sundering Axe
The axe wielded by the Thousand Hands Guan Yin wards off malefactors, removes obstacles, enabling the destined wearer to enjoy a smooth-sailing journey in their career and business ventures.
Lotus Bud
The lotus bud is a powerful symbol of triumph over one’s obstacles. As the lotus starts growing only in the mud, it stands as a powerful allegory that mirrors our life journeys. In order for us to grow, we must make our way through muddy water – only then are we able to break the surface and emerge as a more wisened individual.
Lotus Blossom
Accounts of Guan Yin often depict her with a lotus blossom, a symbol central to her purity, wisdom and enlightenment. The fully bloomed lotus symbolises the spiritual victory over the senses.
As one of the Thousand Hand Guan Yin’s most auspicious emblems, the lotus blossom symbolises her unyielding passion to aid those in need by bestowing them with immense luck.
Each jadeite treasure is meticulously hand-finished by Imperial Harvest’s master craftsmen – each boasting a wealth of multi-generational techniques in this venerable craft. The signature lustre and intricacy detailing each Imperial Harvest Eight Zodiac Guardians treasure is derived from the artful application of jadeite cutting, carving and polishing techniques following a series of precise design specifications established by Master David. Imperial Harvest maintains the highest quality control standards, allowing each treasure to occupy the highest echelons of craftsmanship.
Today, the values and ethos of the Thousand Hands Guan Yin inspire countless people born under her designated zodiac sign. Her innovative and forward-thinking nature is a powerful testament to inner strength, self-development and self-reflection – with these values standing as a proud demonstration for those who are born in the year of the rat.