Shadakshari Lokeshvara – The Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 4
ABS 025
Code: ABS 025
Country: Tibet (west)
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 7.7 x 11.4 x 5.7
Materials: Brass
Shadakshari Lokeshvara – The Six-syllabled Avalokiteshvara
Shadakshari Lokeshvara is the four-armed representation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Ubiquitous in Tibet, this form is associated with the well-known six-syllabled mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. With a youthful and peaceful appearance, he sits in the meditation posture. His two main hands are joined in the gesture of respectful salutation. In the upper right hand, he holds a string of prayer beads and the stem of a lotus flower, that has unfortunately been lost. In keeping with the royal appearance of divine manifestations, he is clad in silk and adorned with jewels. With two other hands he holds a rosary and a lotus blossom. The eyes are inlaid with silver, and the lips with red copper, as well as the jewellery, which is additionally inset with turquoise and coral.
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered bodhisattvas. He personifies the compassion of all buddhas. In Tibet, his mantra is recited on all occasions. He is the patron deity of Tibet, and the Dalaï Lamas are considered his manifestations.
Bodhisattvas are the “heroes for 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.
Shadakshari Lokeshvara is the four-armed representation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Ubiquitous in Tibet, this form is associated with the well-known six-syllabled mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. With a youthful and peaceful appearance, he sits in the meditation posture. His two main hands are joined in the gesture of respectful salutation. In the upper right hand, he holds a string of prayer beads and the stem of a lotus flower, that has unfortunately been lost. In keeping with the royal appearance of divine manifestations, he is clad in silk and adorned with jewels. With two other hands he holds a rosary and a lotus blossom. The eyes are inlaid with silver, and the lips with red copper, as well as the jewellery, which is additionally inset with turquoise and coral.
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most revered bodhisattvas. He personifies the compassion of all buddhas. In Tibet, his mantra is recited on all occasions. He is the patron deity of Tibet, and the Dalaï Lamas are considered his manifestations.
Bodhisattvas are the “heroes for 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.