Hand Carved 9.5" Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara Oxidized Copper Alloy Statue

Chenrezig / Four Armed Four Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue

 Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara – The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Chenrezig, also called Four Armed Avalokiteshvara, is the embodiment of the enlightened compassion of all the Buddhas. He is the earthly incarnation of the celestial Buddha Amitabha, and he guards our world during the interval between the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and the future Buddha, Maitreya. Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara is universally cherished in all branches of Buddhism and is considered the patron Bodhisattva of Tibet. Even in non-Buddhist countries, most people are familiar with his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara courageously vowed that so long as even one being remains caught in samsara, he will continue to work for the benefit of living creatures. His wisdom, compassion and endurance know no bounds, and he is especially revered for granting realizations and spiritual attainments to those who meditate upon him.

Gestures and Attributes

Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara is depicted here in his four-armed form, which symbolizes his whirlwind of constant activity in the world. Two of his hands are pressed together at his heart where they hold the wish-fulfilling jewel of enlightenment, the Chintamani. This jewel manifests whatever a faithful seeker may pray for and is also a metaphor for the profound teachings and virtues of the Buddha. Chenrezig's clasped hand position further expresses his gratitude and respect for Buddha Amitabha.

In his upper right hand, he holds a crystal mala, or Buddhist rosary, that he unceasingly counts and which represents his continuous compassionate activity in the world. And in his upper left hand, he holds a beautiful lotus flower in full bloom. Just as the lotus arises, dazzling and pure, from dark muddy waters, Chenrezig constantly manifests amidst the misery and suffering of our world, but is never stained or tainted by samsaric conditions. His blossoming lotus is meant to inspire us to do the same, by unfolding the pure compassion of our true natures even amidst the challenges of worldly existence.

Symbolism

On Chenrezig's left side, at the level of his heart, is the gentle face of a wild deer; the deer's skin is draped over his shoulder. The deerskin is an ancient symbol of renunciation, as wandering mendicants often took the skin of a deer as a meditation seat, and sometimes as a garment and blanket. This symbolic meaning applies, as Chenrezig, a Bodhisattva, has renounced the snares of worldly existence, but here it further symbolizes his boundless compassion for sentient beings. According to legend, Chenrezig once took rebirth as a wild deer, but he had such heartfelt compassion for the hunter who chased him that he willingly laid down his life.

About this Sculpture

Expertly cast from copper alloy using lost wax method the statue has been submitted to an oxidation process to yield a rich and sensuous finish, this statue is an exceptionally beautiful portrayal of Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara. The master's figure is gracefully poised as he sits in sublime meditation. He wears a finely carved crown and the elegantly detailed ornaments of a Bodhisattva, signifying his compassionate vow to work for the benefit of sentient beings. His necklaces and arm ornaments, in particular, are beautifully and intricately carved. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.