Dharmapala Thangka CentreSchool of Thangka Painting


4.73 Avalokiteshvara with 1000 arms [11]

Very large Thangka 55.9 x 79.1 inches - 142 x 201 cm

Full View Sahasrbhuja Lokiteshvara Manipadma Lokiteshvara in center Harihariharivahana Lokiteshvara in center Harihariharivahana Lokiteshvara Sadaksari Lokiteshvara in center Chinese Dragon Ksitigarbha - Vajragarbha - Acintya - Jaliniprabha Chinese Dragon Preta - Samtarpita in center Mahavajranatha Pravara in center  Dhritarashtra & Virudhaka Hayagriva Mayajalakram in center Virupaksa & Kubera Vasyadhikara

Overview of the 108 Avalokiteshvara manifestations


Avalokiteshvara is the Bodhisattva of the Great Compassion, accepted by all Buddhist traditions and famously known as Kuan Yin [a feminine form] by the Chinese. His vast vows is to deliver all sentient beings from falling into evil states and lead them towards salvation or enlightenment. He is mostly represented by the seed mantra OM MANI PADME HUM ["Hail the jewel in the lotus!"].

Moving in all realms of existence, he tirelessly relieving beings from suffering. In Jewel Casket Array Sutra [Karandavyuha], he descended into the dark hells of Lord Yama and emits jets of magical water from the fingers of his thousands arms, to wipe out the burning flames of molten iron and with His great compassion, elevate beings into higher states of existence, like the human and devas worlds.

As in the White Lotus of Compassion Sutra [Karunapundarika], Tibetans believe, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara took a special vow in freeing them from wrong livelihood, taming their barbaric senses, transforming their violence nature into love and gave happiness to the people.

Tara and Bhrkuti are his female attendants. Hayagriva, the Horse-Necked One, is his wrathful form but benign in nature. He has 108 different forms to serve sentient beings in many different situations. He is the most famous Bodhisattva in Mahayana doctrine.

In this Thangka, he is potrayed with eleven heads and thousand arms, known as the Cosmic Manifestation of Great Compassion. Eight of His arms are in various auspicious mudras and the remaining arms forming a Mandala [Auspicious Signs].

All his heads are crowned with gems studded head gears and arms forming a fan like appearance. An eye is formed in each of His palm. The eleventh head on the summit is Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise.

The 1,000 arms represent the appearance of 1,000 Buddhas during this Eon of Light, whose compassion will guide beings from the darkness of ignorance and delusion into the light of Great Awakening. The eyes on his 1,000 hands symbolize his all-seeing compassionate gaze upon every being in existence throughout the past, present and future.

All his faces is benign except for the tenth head, Hayagriva, which is terrifying as the destructive force of evils. Two of his eight principal hands are lotus bud folded against the chest in the adoration mudra and two upper hands holding a rosary and lotus. These four hands symbolize Shadakshari, or four loving aspects of the Bodhisattva. The remaining four hands is displaying a jewel and in giving gesture, on his right. In his left, his arms are holding a pot and a bow.

Most impressively is the delicate lines of this painting that brings out the Compassionate Aspect of Bodhisattva who is as subtle as the line but as energetic as the colours potraying his form.

In his two-armed form, he usually sits in the full lotus posture. The two arms represent his unfailing skillful means and wisdom. His four-armed form, sitting in the full lotus posture represents the four boundless qualities of a bodhisattva: equanimity, love, compassion and joy.


Holy Number 108

PropertyValue
Measurements: 55.9 x 79.1" | 142 x 201 cm
Price: on request
Shipment: Parcel Service from Germany or Nepal
Color: Color Version
Material: Natural Stone Colors