"Avalokitesvara " means "One who hears and responds to the cries of the world." In ancient India, Avalokitesvara was thought of as male. In China, the Bodhisattva came to be thought of primarily as female and was called "Kwan-yin (Guanyin)." In Japan she is called "Kanzeon" or "Kannon." In many statues of this Bodhisattva, neither maleness nor femaleness stands out distinctly, showing that That which the Bodhisattva truly is transcends all opposites. Kanzeon is so identified with Great Compassion (Mahakaruna) that his/her name is for many Buddhists synonymous with It. While having the form, and doing the work, of a Bodhisattva, Kanzeon manifests the essence of Buddhahood. This is shown in many statues of the Bodhisattva in the placement of a tiny sitting Buddha at the top of the head.

A large Zen temple will have a separate shrine dedicated to Avalokitesvara , while a smaller temple will have an altar. A ceremony celebrating Avalokitesvara is held regularly before the image of the Bodhisattva in which The Scripture of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva is recited. This scripture both calls forth Great Compassion within ourselves, and offers our gratitude to It.