I. Character Introduction: The Transformative Legend of the East Sea Gem
(A) Aliases and Nicknames
As the beloved daughter of the Dragon King of the East Sea, she is widely known as the “Dragon Maiden.” In folk tales, she also bears the titles “Fairy Lingzhu” and “Princess of the Sea Kingdom.” Given her constant attendance beside Guanyin Bodhisattva, she is respectfully called “Dragon Maiden, the Attendant of Guanyin.”
(B) Appearance Features
Legends depict the Dragon Maiden with a face as bright as the moon and eyes as sparkling as stars. Her long black hair cascades down her waist, adorned with pearl hairpins woven by the sea fairies. Dressed in a light blue dress made of shark silk, the hem features embroidered waves and shimmering corals. When she walks, her robes flutter like rippling blue waves, surrounded by a faint sea glow that exudes an otherworldly charm.
(C) Abilities and Skills
As a descendant of the dragon race, the Dragon Maiden naturally commands water elements. She can summon wind and rain, create or calm storms, and safeguard the seas. Proficient in shape-shifting, she can transform freely between human and sea forms. Her remarkable intelligence and deep understanding of Buddhist teachings are key to her role as Guanyin’s important attendant.
II. Character Origin: The Dragon Princess’s Path to Buddhism
The Dragon Maiden, the most cherished daughter of the Dragon King of the East Sea, once led a carefree life in the splendid Crystal Palace. An accidental journey to the human world changed her fate. Witnessing people suffering from sea disasters, she felt deep compassion and pondered ways to relieve their pain. Learning of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s mercy in saving all beings, she yearned to seek guidance. Determined to find the true path to help others, she left the palace, starting her transformation from a dragon princess to Guanyin’s attendant—a story widely told among the people.
III. Allusions and Stories: The Compassionate Journey from Offering the Pearl to Helping the World
(A) Offering the Pearl and Becoming an Attendant: The Pivotal Encounter
Recorded in The Lotus Sutra – The Chapter of Devadatta, the Dragon Maiden was deeply impressed by Buddhism while listening to Sakyamuni Buddha’s teachings on Vulture Peak. When a bodhisattva questioned women’s ability to attain Buddhahood, she presented a precious pearl worth three thousand great worlds to the Buddha. After the Buddha accepted it, she used her supernatural power to transform into a man instantly, achieved Buddhahood, and became Guanyin’s attendant to assist in saving sentient beings. This story showcases her wisdom, decisiveness, and firm faith.
(B) Manifesting on Earth: The Heartwarming Tale of Saving Fishermen
In folk legends, the Dragon Maiden often disguised herself as a mortal in coastal fishing villages. Seeing the perils fishermen faced at sea, she used her powers to guide them and calm storms. Once, during a fierce typhoon, a fishing boat was on the verge of capsizing. The Dragon Maiden appeared, waved her sleeve to still the waves, and led the boat safely back to port. Grateful fishermen built temples to worship her, praying for safe voyages ever after.
(C) With the Sudhana Boy: The Compassionate Duo
After becoming Guanyin’s attendant, the Dragon Maiden, together with the Sudhana Boy (also known as Red Boy), became Guanyin’s right-hand assistants. While the Sudhana Boy was known for wisdom, the Dragon Maiden excelled in compassion and magic. Complementing each other, they helped Guanyin save those in distress, leaving behind many touching stories of their joint efforts.
IV. Character Relationships: Connections in the Mythical World
The Dragon Maiden’s key relationships center on family and Buddhist bonds. In her family, she is the Dragon King’s daughter with blood ties to the dragon clan. On her spiritual path, Guanyin is her mentor and spiritual anchor, to whom she is deeply devoted. With the Sudhana Boy, she is a partner in assisting Guanyin, developing a harmonious cooperation over time. She also shares a deep emotional bond with fishermen and common people, caring for their hardships and standing as their guardian in times of need.
V. Related Traditional Literary Works and Mythical Stories
(A) Records in Buddhist Scriptures
The Lotus Sutra – The Chapter of Devadatta is a crucial Buddhist classic documenting the Dragon Maiden’s story. It details her process of offering the pearl and achieving Buddhahood, serving as an important reference for studying her mythical image and significance.
(B) Adaptations in Folk Literature and Operas
In folk storytelling, ballads, and regional operas, her story is continuously enriched with vivid details. For example, some local operas feature plays about her descending to earth to help people, making her image more accessible and beloved through performing arts.
(C) Connections with Other Mythical Stories
Her legend is closely linked to Guanyin’s broader mythology, such as the thirty-two manifestations of Guanyin and tales of salvation in the Universal Gate Chapter. As Guanyin’s attendant, she participates in many divine missions to save beings, cementing her place as a vital part of the Guanyin belief system.
VI. Related Folk Festivals, Events, and Customs
(A) Sea-Worshiping Ceremonies in Coastal Areas
In China’s coastal regions, sea-worshiping customs are deeply rooted. Before fishermen set sail, grand ceremonies are held to pray for the Dragon Maiden and sea gods’ protection, seeking safe voyages and bountiful catches. Offerings of seafood, fruits, and incense are made, accompanied by dances and songs to honor their divine guardians.
(B) Sacrificial Activities at Dragon Maiden Temples
Dedicated Dragon Maiden temples exist in some areas, where believers visit on the 1st and 15th day of each lunar month to pray for family safety and health. On her birthday and other important festivals, lively temple fairs are held, attracting crowds of devotees and tourists for blessings and celebrations.
(C) Water-Related Folk Activities
Given her association with water, the Dragon Maiden’s symbolism is woven into water-related festivals like the Water-Splashing Festival and Dragon Boat Races in some regions. Participants believe these activities invoke her protection, hoping water will bring good fortune and ward off misfortune.
VII. Historical Contributions: The Cultural Symbol of Compassion
The Dragon Maiden’s image holds significant cultural value. Her transformation from a privileged princess to a compassionate attendant reflects Buddhism’s teaching that all beings, regardless of status, can achieve enlightenment—a progressive message for women’s roles in religious and cultural contexts. Her spirit of mercy and altruism has become a core value in Chinese tradition, offering spiritual comfort and inspiring generations to help others.
VIII. Business Significance: Insights from Compassion and Wisdom
(A) The Business Philosophy of Integrity
The Dragon Maiden’s unwavering faith in Guanyin embodies the virtue of integrity. In business, integrity serves as the foundation for building trust with customers and partners, essential for long-term success and a reputable reputation.
(B) The Cooperative Spirit of Helping Others
Her partnership with the Sudhana Boy highlights the power of collaboration. In commerce, mutual support and teamwork foster win-win relationships, enabling businesses to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals more effectively.
(C) The Wise Vision of Market Insight
The Dragon Maiden’s ability to recognize human suffering and act on it mirrors the importance of market insight in business. Enterprises that keenly understand customer needs and adapt to changing demands are better positioned to develop relevant products and services, ensuring competitiveness in the market.
Last Updated on 2 weeks