Kanzeon Bosatsu (観世音菩薩, lit. "Bodhisattva who observes the mundane voices"), also referred to as "Kannon," is the Japanese name translated from the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, Guanshiyin Pusa (觀世音菩薩, "Guanyin" for short), which was translated from the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara by Faxian from the East Jin dynasty. Xuanzang from the Tang dynasty, after returning from Sindhu, instead translated the name as Guanzizai Pusa (觀自在菩薩, lit, "Bodhisattva who observes freely"). While Xuanzang's translation is less popular, sometimes Guanyin would be addressed in the long form, combining both translations, as Guanshiyin Zizai Pusa (觀世音自在菩薩).
According to the teachings of Buddhism, she originated from Avalokiteśvara, a male figure, before becoming a deity. Her being is mostly depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a white robe and carrying a jar of pure water and a willow branch. In her meditations, she attempted to aid the ones who needed her, but with only two hands at her possession, she was unable to do it until Amitabha Buddha, her spiritual teacher, gave her a thousand arms so that she could complete her task. Guan Yin is so popular in East Asia regions that she received different names. Her origin and history in each region also differs from one another.
While not seen directly, Kanzeon is referenced during the third Vision Quest, in the form of Naomi's special "Kanzeon Redemption" skill, which temporarily boosts her max HP. This is the only spell exclusive to Naomi that Nemissa cannot learn later on in the game. However, this effect can occur via items instead.
Persona 4[]
Following the event of maxing the Social Link of the Lovers Arcana, Rise Kujikawa comes to realize her true desire to become an idol once again but now with the goal of showing her true self. Himiko then evolves into her Kanzeon, who inherits all status and abilities of Himiko in addition to new ones.