Description

The Perfected Being of Merciful Passage, known as Cihang Zhenren (慈航真人), is venerated in Daoist tradition under myriad sacred appellations: the Perfected One of Merciful Passage (Cihang Daoren), the Celestial Venerable of Universal Salvation through Merciful Passage (Cihang Pudu Tianzun), the Sovereign Celestial Venerable of Unhindered Salvation and Liberation (Cihang Pudu Yuantong Zizai Tianzun), and the Great Compassionate One (Cihang Dashi). Emerging from the syncretic cultural milieu of post-Song Dynasty China, where Daoism actively assimilated Buddhist figures, the originally Buddhist bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara) was reimagined within Daoist cosmology as Cihang Zhenren. This integration enriched the Daoist pantheon with a deity embodying boundless compassion and mercy, renowned for her omnipotent spiritual prowess to alleviate suffering, answer supplications, and grant salvation to all beings in distress.