Avalokatesvara (tib.
Chenrezi) is seated upon a lotus blossom in four-armed form. In two of his arms
he holds a wish fulfilling jewel, while the right holds malla beads and the left holds a
lotus bloom. Avalokatesvara is positioned in the dhyanasana meditative position with
his legs locked, upon his seat, a lotus that is in the Buddha field of eternal
illumination. The Buddha of the Infinite and longevity, Amitayus is seated above the
crown of Avalokatesvara's head.
Avalokatesvara, the
bodhisattva of compassion is the most popular bodhisattva, whose devotees are spread
throughout all of the Tibetan/Vadjrayana Buddhist world. As the Bodhisattva of
compassion, his charge is to look after the well fare of all sentient beings.
Avalokatesvara has many manifestations that portray him performing such a powerful
task. One form of Avalokatesvara has thirteen heads and one-thousand arms with one
eye in each of his palms to watch over all those who need him.
As the means by which
enlightenment is attained, compassion is one of the essential parts along one's path
towards nirvana. Represented as Avalokatesvara, compassion is often seen together
with the two other aspects needed for enlightenment, wisdom (Manjushri) and power (Vadjra
Pani). Along with these other two aspects, compassion is honored as a fundamental
aspect of a perfected enlightened being.
