Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva

The Lord Who Looks Down (in compassion)

In Tibet, Avalokitesvara is known as Chenrezig and the Dalai Lama is said to be an emanation of this Bodhisattva. In the far east, Avalokiteshvara turned into the female Bodhisattva, Kuan Yin (Chinese) or Kannon (Japanese).

Chenrezig (the Tibetan name for Avalokiteshvara) is the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion and is considered the patron deity of Tibet. He represents the personification of the universal compassion of all Buddhas.

Key Aspects and Symbolism:
The Four-Armed Form: While he has many manifestations (including the eleven-headed and thousand-armed versions), he is most commonly depicted with four arms.

The inner two hands are joined at the heart, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel.

The outer two hands hold a crystal rosary (representing the continuous cycle of helping beings) and a lotus flower (symbolizing purity and enlightenment).

The Mantra: He is inextricably linked to the most famous mantra in Tibetan Buddhism: Om Mani Padme Hum. It is believed that reciting this mantra invokes his compassionate power and helps transform negative emotions.

The Reincarnation Lineage: In Tibetan tradition, high spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa are considered to be earthly emanations of Chenrezig.

The Vow: He is known for his solemn vow to not enter Nirvana until he has assisted every sentient being in attaining liberation from suffering.

Spiritual Significance
Chenrezig is often used as a primary focus for meditation. Practitioners visualize him to cultivate Bodhicitta the altruistic wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings. Unlike a distant god, Chenrezig is viewed as a mirror reflecting the inherent compassion present within every person's own mind.

Avalokiteshvara forms a protective trinity along with Manjushri and Vajrapani. He is the protector of the Lotus family of deities, which also includes Amitabha and Tara.

Avalokitesvara is also popularly known as Padmapani, or “Holder of the Lotus.”

“If floating on a vast sea,
menaced by dragons, fish, or demons,
by mindfully invoking Avalokiteshvara’s power
the billowing waves cannot drown you.

If from Mount Sumeru’s lofty peak,
someone were to throw you down,
by mindfully invoking Avalokiteshvara’s power
like the sun you would stand firm in the sky…

If, persecuted by rulers,
you face torture and execution,
by mindfully invoking Avalokiteshvara’s power
their weapons will thereby shatter to pieces.

If imprisoned in shackles and chains,
hands and feet bound in restraints,
by mindfully invoking Avalokiteshvara’s power
suddenly you shall be released.”