A Comparative Study on Similarities and Differences Between Avalokitesvara Concepts in China and Sri Lanka

Abstract

Bodhisattva philosophy is a relatively popular aspect of Buddhism and there are few in-depth studies of it. Among many bodhisattvas in Buddhism, Avalokitesvara bodhisattva is considered as the most popular bodhisattva in China, although not that much, the concept of Avalokitesvara in Sri Lanka is also sacred in the name of Lord Nath. The Bodhisattva concept of the two countries, the cultural background of the Bodhisattva history, the related cultural background and physical characteristics have been introduced, and their similarities and differences in the two countries have been analyzed comparatively. The descriptive research method has been used mainly using secondary data sources and primary data has also been included in this thesis. It is evident that the socio-cultural backgrounds of the respective periods have had a greater influence on the changes in the idol creation process of both countries and it is clear that the conceptual expansion root has influenced the conceptual similarities. In modern society, it is observed that there are very few beliefs about Avalokitesvara Bodhisattavas, and many rituals are excluded, but the main concept remains the same.