Greetings from a quiet lurker in the corner!

I'd like to post about an experience my mum-in-law had during her mother's funeral last year. I am not sure why I am now posting this only now, but maybe someone might find it interesting.

She passed away quite suddenly last summer. The reason was never ascertained, she was admitted to hospital for about half a day, then sadly passed away. She was elderly but fit, in her eighties.

It was a Buddhist funeral, so even though I am not of any particular religion, I participated in some ritual bowing and chanting, as a sign of respect.

During one of the most fervent nights of chanting (led by Buddhist monks), my mum-in-law, who also does not adhere to any religion, had a vision.

She saw her mother - in the vision, she appeared peaceful, happy and beautiful, and then, she sort of "morphed" into the Guan Yin Pu Sa.

During that time, I noticed that, strangely, my mum-in-law's hands, which were pressed together, with a stick of incense between them, started to move up and down rapidly during the ritual, as though she were rapt in prayer. She stayed in this position, kneeling on the ground, for about half an hour, it was almost as though she had been possessed by something!

I was surprised to see this, because:
Firstly, I knew she was not Buddhist, or religious.
Secondly, she had recent surgery in her shoulder, so she could not move it fully, and it had been causing her quite alot of pain.

I worried for her, and when the ritual ended, I went up to her and asked if she was all right. She told us, amazed, of her vision, and I asked if her shoulder was ok. She said it did not hurt at all!

The vision seemed to bring my mum-in-law some comfort, so I am glad it happened.

Elanor x

I love hearing about this kind of personal experience, so thank you for sharing it. I love this deity, so mysterious. And kind. It is refreshing to look at the different representations, the different images of this bringer of compassion.

Hi b2, thanks for your reply. Yes, that's true, I had forgotten what she represents - Guan Yin is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.

I also realised after I posted yesterday, that it was Vesak Day, a day in which Buddhists celebrate the enlightenment of Buddha.

Also, next to her niche, at the columbarium where my mother-in-law's mum's remains were interred, there is a beautiful painting of the Guan Yin.

I am grateful for all of you on this board! Though I'm not here sometimes, I eventually return to the forum to read the posts, and always feel like I am coming home to visit some good and wise friends.  :-)