Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara Buddhist Thangka

Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara Buddhist Thangka is handpainted on cotton canvas.

Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara is presented at the center of the thangka. Manjushree is presented at the bottom corner in the thangka and Vajrapani on the bottom right.

Avalokitesvara is the lord gifted with complete enlightenment who refrains from entering the blissful state of nirvana to remain here below and save the living being of the earth.

What virtue does the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara represent?

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the virtue of compassion and became the most important deity in Buddhism.

What is the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara?

Iconography of Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara

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.

Mantra of Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara

The Mantra of Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara is Om Mani Padme Hum.

Iconography of Manjushree

Manjushree is presented at the left down of the Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara in the thangka. Manjushree is the Bodhisattva who holds the flaming sword of enlightenment, by his left hand in a warning hand gesture in the left hand representing his realization of wisdom to cut through ignorance & wrong view. His right hand depicted in teaching holds the stem of a Blue Lotus flower upon which rests the Book (Pustaka) of Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom.

Mantra of Manjushree

The mantra of Manjushree is Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih.

Iconography of Vajrapani

Vajrapani is presented at the right down of the Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara in the thangka. Vajrapaṇi is one of the earliest bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of the Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power.

Vajrapani is pictured dancing wildly within a halo of flames which represents transformation.

He holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand which emphasizes the power to cut through the darkness of delusion. Vajrapani looks wrathful, but as a representation of the enlightened mind. He is completely free from hatred.

Mantra of Vajrapani

The mantra of Vajrapabi is om vajrapani hum phat.