Eighteen-armed Chenrezig Thangka

“Chenrezig” (Avalokitesvara in Sanskrit), renowned as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is the Tibetan name for the very embodiment and realization of the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. The practice of Chenrezig is to develop and awaken the same qualities of loving-kindness and compassion for all sentient beings, in ourselves.

A rare piece of "east meets west" hand-painted Eighteen-armed Chenrezig Tibetan thangka, as the deity is highly revered in Mahayana Buddhism.

The primary hands are held in Vairocana mudra, the outer pair in Abhaya mudra and Vitarka mudra, the other fourteen arms extended are each holding various attributes, clad in flowing floral scarves with gold hems. The serene face is crowned with an openwork tiara centered with an image of Buddha Amitabha. The overall image is topped off with a parasol.

The eighteen arms of the Chenrezig each wield implements symbolizing the guidance along the Buddhist path to liberation and represent the eighteen merits of attaining Buddhahood as described in the Cundi Dharani Sutra.

Framed in midnight blue Tibetan-style cloth brocade that brings out the rich gold tones.