Avalokitesvara Tibetan Thangka Art is handpainted by using traditional colors on cotton canvas. Sahasrabhuja is known as 1000 Arms Avalokiteshvara.
Iconography of Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara is also known as Chenrezig, is visualized in many forms, with various numbers of faces and arms, and various colors and ornaments.
He sits on a lotus and the flat disc of the moon, with another moon disk behind him, reflecting his total purity. Two of his four arms are joined in the prayer position holding the wish-fulfilling gem.
In his other left hand he holds a lotus flower and in his other right hand, a crystal mala (rosary), which he is using to count the repetitions of his mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum“, Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus, which liberates all beings from suffering.
He wears the silks and ornaments of a Bodhisattva, representing all his special qualities, and the soft skin of an antelope over his shoulder, symbolizing his complete freedom from violence. He smiles with deep understanding, love, and compassion as his eyes look upon all beings.
The four arms and hands signify the four immeasurable
Immeasurable loving kindness
Immeasurable compassion
Immeasurable joy
Immeasurable equanimity
Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Boundless Compassion, is the very embodiment and realization of the four immeasurable.
The four immeasurable are the vehicles through which Chenrezig benefits beings. The first two, the inner arms, have palms joined at the heart, holding a sky-blue, and wish-fulfilling jewel.
Mantra of Avalokiteshvara
Om Mani Padme Hum is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara.
