Hand Carved 19" Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara Buddha Statue
  Copper Alloy Fully Gold Gilded with Gold Painted Face

Chenrezig - The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Chenrezig, also called Avalokiteshvara, is the embodiment of the enlightened  compassion of all the Buddhas. He is the earthly incarnation of the celestial  Buddha Amitabha, and he guards our world during the interval between the  historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and the future Buddha, Maitreya. Chenrezig is  universally cherished in all branches of Buddhism, and is considered the patron  Bodhisattva of Tibet. Even in non-Buddhist countries, most people are familiar with  his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Chenrezig courageously vowed that so long as even one being remains caught in samsara, he will continue to work for the benefit of living creatures. His wisdom, compassion and endurance know no bounds, and he is especially revered for granting realizations and spiritual attainments to those who meditate upon him.

Gestures and Attributes

Chenrezig is depicted here in his four-armed form, which symbolizes his  whirlwind of constant activity in the world. Two of his hands are pressed together  at his heart where they hold the wish-fulfilling jewel of enlightenment, the   cintamani . This jewel manifests whatever a faithful seeker may pray for, and is also a metaphor for the profound teachings and virtues of the Buddha. Chenrezig's clasped hand position further expresses his gratitude and respect for Buddha Amitabha.

In his upper right hand, he holds a crystal mala ,  or Buddhist rosary, that he unceasingly counts and which represents his continuous  compassionate activity in the world. And in his upper left hand, he holds a beautiful  lotus flower in full bloom. Just as the lotus arises, dazzling and pure, from dark  muddy waters, Chenrezig constantly manifests amidst the misery and suffering  of our world, but is never stained or tainted by samsaric conditions. His  blossoming lotus is meant to inspire us to do the same, by unfolding the pure  compassion of our true natures even amidst the challenges of worldly existence.

Symbolism

On Chenrezig's left side, at the level of his heart, is the gentle face of a wild  deer; the deer's skin is draped over his shoulder. The deerskin is an ancient  symbol of renunciation, as wandering mendicants often took the skin of a deer as a meditation seat, and sometimes as a garment and blanket. This symbolic meaning  applies, as Chenrezig, a Bodhisattva, has renounced the snares of worldly existence, but here it further symbolizes his boundless compassion for sentient beings.  According to legend, Chenrezig once took rebirth as a wild deer, but he had  such heartfelt compassion for the hunter who chased him that he willingly  laid down his life.

About this Sculpture

Expertly cast from copper alloy and fully gilded with 24 karat gold,   this statue is an exceptionally beautiful portrayal of Chenrezig.   The master's figure is gracefully poised as he sits in sublime meditation. He wears a finely carved crown and the elegantly detailed ornaments of a Bodhisattva, signifying his compassionate vow to work for the benefit of sentient beings. His necklaces and arm ornaments, in particular, are beautifully and intricately carved. The rich gold gilding imbues the statue with a gentle warmth, while Chenrezig's eloquent hand gestures and handsome features suggest a compassionate spiritual presence.    This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.