Jane Hartley Fine Art
The Peacock's Eyes
11/23/2020 1:34:22 PM | Comment on this
QUAN YIN'S EYES is from the Flora, Fauna & Far East Collection where the paintings are full of symbolism and all of the elements support a story or legend. This particular painting focuses on compassion and nurturing.
"May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire."
THE LEGEND OF QUAN YIN & THE PEACOCK- Taken from the book 'Quan Yin - Myths and Prophecies of the Chinese Goddess of Compassion' by Martin Palmer and Jay Ramsay with Man-Ho Kwok.
At the beginning of time, the goddess Quan Yin dwelt with all the creatures upon Earth. Under her tutelage, the animals, birds and insects lived happily together. If a disagreement broke out, they went to her for advice. Every creature knew peace, and loved and adored Quan Yin. Over time disagreements and problems arose between the animals. They cried out and begged her to help them. She descended to speak to them and said "Oh you 10,000 beings, why do you cause such distress? Why can you not live together? Each of you has your own place and role, so why such envy, no false striving." And they replied, "When we feel you have left us alone, we then fall into such bad behavior. Can you not stay with us?"Quan Yin held up her hand for silence.
She then beckoned to a large but rather dull looking bird. The main distinguishing feature of this bird was the number and size of his tail feathers. As the bird stood beside Quan Yin she spoke, "My friends, it is obvious that I cannot be with you at all times. But it is also clear that you need me to watch over you in some way. So I have resolved to use the dull brown featehers of the big bird." Instantly the bird was suffused in exploding colours and lights, so bright that the other creatures had to avert their eyes. When at last their eyes were able to see again, they saw on each of the bird's 100 tail feathers a bright clear eye staring back at them. "My friends,"said the Godess, "I cannot watch over you at all times in all places, but my servant the Peacock can. Each of his eyes will watch over you, guard you and tell me of what is happening in the world. When you see the Peacock's 100 eyes you will know that I care for you. Let the Peacock be my servant in this world and know that I look after you.
To this day the Peacock struts because of his special role as Quan Yin's servant. And each day the 100 eyes of each Peacock look out over the world, reminding all who understand that Quan Yin watches over them.
The Symbolism:
The name "Quan Yin" is a derivation of the goddess who is the energy of motherly compassion - "she who hears the cries of the people". Although there are variations, the feeling is the same. She responds to the heartfelt needs and anguish of the people of the earth, regardless of background or belief. She is often depicted with a peacock and a vase. The feathers of the peacock appear to have "eyes" that help her see anyone in need, and the vase symbolizes her pouring compassion onto the world. The blue color of the vase symbolizes trust, healing and calmness.The oranges symbolize good luck or fortune.The butterfly is a symbol of long life.
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