Thangka Avalokiteshvara Shadakshari - Tibet - XIX-XX

Tibetan Thangka Avalokiteshvara Shadakshari - XIX-XX Century 

Beautiful thangka depicting the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Form of Shadakshari Lokeshvara. In this four-armed form, Avalokiteshvara holds his primary hands in the gesture of veneration and, in the others, a mala and a lotus flower. He sits in the yogic posture of meditation, flanked by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas .

Size: Height 68cm, width 52.3cm

Object literature: Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva very popular in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. The name Avalokiteshvara means "the one who hears the cries of the world" in Sanskrit. As a bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara is a being who has attained enlightenment, but who has chosen to remain in the world to help others attain enlightenment as well.

In Buddhist tradition, Avalokiteshvara is often depicted as a male figure, but in some forms of Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is also depicted as a female figure. The bodhisattva is often depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing the many ways in which the bodhisattva can reach out to and help sentient beings.

Avalokiteshvara is one of the most important bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism and is revered in many countries throughout Asia. In China and Japan, Avalokiteshvara is known as Guanyin or Kannon, respectively, and is often depicted as a female figure.

The practice of reciting the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, "Om Mani Padme Hum," is a central practice in many forms of Mahayana Buddhism. The mantra is believed to have the power to purify negative karma and bring about enlightenment.

In addition to being a bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara is also seen as a protector and a source of compassion and mercy. Many Buddhists turn to Avalokiteshvara for help and guidance in times of trouble, and the bodhisattva is often associated with the qualities of love, compassion, and kindness.