The Guanyin of folk culture has little to do with the profound tenets of Buddhist doctrine. In Taiwanese folk religion, Guanyin became a benevolent goddess who provides help with the practical matters of daily life, and also comes to the assistance of all in need, granting boons, preventing natural disasters, and bestowing long life. Over the centuries, Chinese Guanyin images have absorbed a wide array of influences, including Confucianism, Daoism, local customs, legends, and even the creative inspiration of artists. Thus, without paying too much attention to conventions of material and style, popular images of Guanyin are produced to suit a particular temple, home, or individual, at the same time retaining the spirit of Buddhism, resulting in a benevolent and realistic appearance.

1．Guanyin as Buddha

　　In the temples of Taiwanese folk religion, Guanyin is typically known as “Guanyin Fozu”(Guanyin Buddha), expressing the belief that Guanyin has already attained buddhahood, but has manifested as a bodhisattva in order to relieve suffering in the world. This belief is perhaps based on the passages in the Buddhist scriptures which refer to Guanyin as Zhengfa Mingfo (Luminous Buddha of the True Dharma) and Puguang Gongde Shanwang Rulai (Radiant Virtue Mountain King Tathāgata). Due to the great popularity of Guanyin worship, she is commonly enshrined in folk religion temples, side-by-side with various local deities, as is the case with the Chaotian Temple in Beigang and the Zhenlan Temple in Dajia. In other folk temples, however, Guanyin is the main object of worship, the most prominent example of which is Taipei’s Longshan Temple.

2．Guanyin Malian

　　Guanyinma is a respectful term of endearment applied to Guanyin as a compassionate and awe-inspiring elder member of the family. Guanyin Malian is a picture of a number of deities and legendary figures surrounding a motherly figure of Guanyin, giving expression to the eclectic and popular nature of Guanyin worship in Taiwan. Along with the main figures of Guanyin, Shancai, and Longnu can be seen a variety of other protective and household deities, such as Mazu, Tudigong (the Earth God), and Zaojun (the Kitchen God).