Ascetic form of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 2
Display 1
ABS 016
Code: ABS 016
Country: India (north-west)
Style: Swat
Date: 600 - 700
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 6.2 x 10 x 4.1
Materials: Brass: eyes and urna are inlaid with silver
Ascetic form of Avalokiteshvara Padmapani
Sitting legs crossed on a constricted double lotus pedestal, the bodhisattva displays the gesture of generosity with his right hand while his left holds the stalk of a lotus flower blooming by his shoulder, identifying him as Padmapani, the “lotus bearer.” Young and handsome, wearing only a loincloth, his jewellery is limited to a necklace and bracelets and he wears no crown. His long partly plaited hair hosts a small effigy of buddha Amitabha. This corresponds to the ascetic form of Avalokiteshvara.
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered bodhisattvas. He personifies the compassion of all buddhas. In Tibet, his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is recited on all occasions. He is the patron deity of Tibet, and the Dalaï Lama is considered his manifestation.
Bodhisattvas are “heroes for the awakening.” They are advanced practitioners who are motivated by compassion, and who strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.
Sitting legs crossed on a constricted double lotus pedestal, the bodhisattva displays the gesture of generosity with his right hand while his left holds the stalk of a lotus flower blooming by his shoulder, identifying him as Padmapani, the “lotus bearer.” Young and handsome, wearing only a loincloth, his jewellery is limited to a necklace and bracelets and he wears no crown. His long partly plaited hair hosts a small effigy of buddha Amitabha. This corresponds to the ascetic form of Avalokiteshvara.
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered bodhisattvas. He personifies the compassion of all buddhas. In Tibet, his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is recited on all occasions. He is the patron deity of Tibet, and the Dalaï Lama is considered his manifestation.
Bodhisattvas are “heroes for the awakening.” They are advanced practitioners who are motivated by compassion, and who strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.