Longnü

The Dragon Maiden

Daughter of the dragon king, attendant of Guanyin beside Sudhana in the Lotus Sutra’s tale.

The Dragon Maiden is the daughter of the Dragon King of the Sagar Sea who, at eight years old, attained Buddhahood before the astonished assembly in the Lotus Sutra. Her instant awakening proves that even a girl and a dragon can reach enlightenment without waiting for another life. In Chinese temples she stands beside Guanyin opposite the boy Sudhana, a child of the deep sea holding the pearl of wisdom.