Avalokiteshvara Padmapani – The “Lotus Bearer”
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Display 4
ABS 202
Code: ABS 202
Country: Tibet
Style: Late Pala Style
Date: 1200 - 1300
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 6.5 x 9.8 x 4
Materials: Brass
Avalokiteshvara Padmapani – The “Lotus Bearer”
Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezi in Tibetan) is seated on a double lotus pedestal in the attitude of royal ease. His right extended hand performs the generosity gesture while his left presses down on the seat behind his left thigh. Lotus flowers bloom from his seat surrounding him. Adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestations, his long hair is knotted in a matted crown in the manner of Indian ascetics. The traces of blue pigment in the hair is a clear indication that this image had earlier been worshipped in Tibet. Images excavated in India have an entirely different archaeological patina.
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.
Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezi in Tibetan) is seated on a double lotus pedestal in the attitude of royal ease. His right extended hand performs the generosity gesture while his left presses down on the seat behind his left thigh. Lotus flowers bloom from his seat surrounding him. Adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestations, his long hair is knotted in a matted crown in the manner of Indian ascetics. The traces of blue pigment in the hair is a clear indication that this image had earlier been worshipped in Tibet. Images excavated in India have an entirely different archaeological patina.
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.