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Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig in
Tibetan, is an
enlightened being who is a manifestation of all Buddhas'
compassion. He is known as the 'Buddha of Compassion'. He
usually appears as white in color with four arms. His first two
hands are pressed together at his heart, symbolizing his respect
for his Spiritual Guide, Buddha Amitabha, who is on his crown.
Even though Avalokiteshvara is an enlightened being he still
shows respect to his Spiritual Guide. His first two hands hold a
jewel, which symbolizes his own enlightenment. This mudra is
indicating 'I attained jewel-like great enlightenment through
receiving blessings from my Spiritual Guide Amitabha'.
His second left hand holds a
white lotus flower. A lotus grows in the mud at the bottom of a
lake, but its flowers bloom on the surface of the water,
completely free from the stains of mud. By holding a lotus
flower Avalokiteshvara is showing that because he attained
enlightenment he is free from all obstacles, and has a
completely pure body, speech and mind. His second right hand
holds a crystal mala, symbolizing that he can free all living
beings from samsara and lead them to liberation.
If we rely
sincerely upon Avalokiteshvara and recite his mantra with strong
faith, temporarily we shall improve our realizations of the stages
of the path, especially our realization of great
compassion, and ultimately we shall attain supreme Buddhahood in
Avalokiteshvara's Pure Land, the Pure Land of Bliss. |
