Hand Made Copper Alloy with 24 Karat Gold Gilded and Hand Painted Face9.75" Chenrezig Statue

Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue

 Chenrezig / Four Armed Avalokiteshvara – The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Chenrezig, also called 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 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 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 / 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 / Avalokiteshvara, a Bodhisattva, has renounced the snares of worldly existence, but here it further symbolizes his boundless compassion for sentient beings. According to legend, Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara 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

This exquisite copper alloy statue is an exceptional portrayal of Chenrezig, the four-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Expertly cast using the lost wax method by master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal, this sculpture has been gilded with 24-karat gold and features a hand-painted face, imbuing it with a rich and sensuous finish.

The figure of Chenrezig is gracefully poised in sublime meditation, wearing a finely carved crown and the elegantly detailed ornaments of a Bodhisattva, signifying his compassionate vow to work for the benefit of all sentient beings. The necklaces and arm ornaments are beautifully and intricately carved, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans.

The rich gold gilding imbues the statue with a gentle warmth, while Chenrezig's eloquent hand gestures and handsome features suggest a compassionate spiritual presence. This sculpture is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Shakya clan, who have been passing down these fine metalworking techniques from generation to generation since ancient times.