1000 Armed Avalokeshvara / Chenrezig – Bodhisattva of Boundless Compassion
1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue: Avalokeshvara (Guan Yin in Chinese; Chenrezig in Tibetan; Kannon in Japanese) is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Among the Bodhisattvas, it is Avalokeshvara 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, Avalokeshvara 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, and willingness to help those in distress. Avalokeshvara holds in his hand the indestructible jewel. He is the savior and protector from danger. So, his invocation (Mantra) “OM MANI PADME HUM” is found inscribed on rocks, loose stones, prayer wheels, etc.
Avalokeshvara 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, and 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.
Gestures and Attributes
It is said that Chenrezig once grew exhausted and discouraged from the overwhelming task of rescuing sentient beings. While struggling to comprehend the needs of so many, his head and body exploded into a thousand pieces. Buddha Amitabha came to Chenrezig’s aid and helped prepare the Bodhisattva for his monumental task. Amitabha endowed Chenrezig with eleven heads, with which to hear the cries of the suffering, and also with a thousand arms, with which to aid the suffering multitudes.
Chenrezig’s eleven faces are arranged in three tiers, topped by the wrathful face of Vajrapani, and, at the very top, the face of Buddha Amitabha. The skin of a deer is draped over Chenrezig’s left shoulder and heart, symbolizing his compassionate nature. His first two principal hands are pressed together at his heart in deference to his teacher, Amitabha; and his other principal hands hold a crystal rosary, a lotus blossom, an undrawn bow and arrow, an eight-spoked Dharma wheel, and a golden water pot. Each of Chenrezig’s one thousand hands has an eye in the center of its palm, symbolizing the union of the five method perfections (five fingers) with the sixth perfection of wisdom (eye).
About this 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue
The sculpture in question is a stunning representation of 1000 Armed Avalokeshvara / Chenrezig. The statue was expertly crafted using the lost wax method. It is made of a copper alloy and meticulously carved by hand to create intricate filigree patterns known as “siko” in the area. Subsequently, the sculpture is adorned with precious stones, including lapis lazuli, turquoise, and coral, and is electroplated in gold.
There is an extraordinary amount of detail in this piece. The 1000 arms are all differently sculpted, showcasing the exceptional skill and dedication of the skilled artisans who created it. The exquisite hand painting of the face accentuates the sculpture’s overall beauty and elegance.
The highly skilled Shakya clan artisans, who are considered to be among the greatest in the world, carefully handmade these magnificent works of art in Patan, Nepal. These craftspeople continue a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred artwork for use in temples and monasteries. Their exceptional metalworking skills have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that the caliber and genuineness of their work will always be unparalleled.
Whether it is on display at a temple, monastery, or private collection, this sculpture of 1000 Armed Avalokeshvara is a wonderful piece of holy art and a testament to the ongoing tradition of Nepalese artistry.
