5.25” 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara

1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara – Bodhisattva of Boundless Compassion 

Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin in Chinese; Chenrezig in Tibetan; Kannon in Japanese) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Among the Bodhisattvas, it is Avalokiteshvara who has the largest number of forms and is perhaps the most venerated and most popular Buddhist deity. His sex, originally masculine, is sometimes considered feminine in China and Japan, although this discrimination is unsupported by any canonical text and was often considered in China and Japan as the 'mother of the human race' and, in this respect, worshipped in the form of a woman. 

Among the 108 forms of Lokiteshvara, Avalokiteshvara is one who refuses to accept Nirvana since he considers such acceptance selfish in view of the ignorance of the great majority of the people who have not yet attained that stage. His sacrifice symbolizes infinite compassion (Karuna), sharing of mankind’s misery, willingness to help those in distress. Avalokiteshvara holds in his hand the indestructible jewel. He is savior and protector from danger. So, his invocation (Mantra) “OM MANI PADME HUM” is found inscribed on rocks, loose stones, prayer wheels, etc. 

Avalokiteshvara is known from very early in the development of the Mahayana doctrines and, until Buddhism disappeared from India, enjoyed great favor there. His cult passed from India to South-East Asia and Java, where it met with great success, and also in Nepal, Tibet (where he arrived with Buddhism and where King Srong - Tsong Gampo, 519-650, was considered to be his incarnation), and in China, from where he went on to Korea and Japan. All these countries imagined him in different forms according to their own temperaments and spirituality. 

In this form, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva has eleven heads. There are three rows of three heads which are in the color of white (sambhogakaya), green (nirmanakaya), and red (dharmakaya). This represents the three principle aspects of buddhahood. Above these three rows is a blue wrathful face of Vajrapani and the red face of Amitabha. In this form, Avalokiteshvara has eight main hands. The two central hands are held in a cupped gesture symbolizing an attitude of homage (In some depiction, these two hands holds a wish fulfilling jewel). Another main hand is held in an open – palm gesture symbolizing generosity. The other main hands hold five objects: a bow and arrow, lotus, vase, rosary, and eight – spooked wheel. The bow and arrow represents bodhisattva's ability to aim at the heart of all beings. The vase contains the nectar of immortality. The lotus blossom represents enlightenment. The eight – spooked wheel represents the Buddha's teaching. The aura around the painting represents his one thousand hands and symbolizing his inexhaustible compassion. In each of his hand, there is an eye (wisdom) in the center of the palm (skills) which symbolizes the union of wisdoms and skills.