Material: Copper. Gold-plated

Size: Approximately 3.5 cm

Narrative:

The Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara (Caturbhuja Avalokiteśvara) is an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, symbolizing infinite compassion and wisdom. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is regarded as an important guardian deity who saves all living beings and is the main object of practice for many practitioners.

**Story and Origin**

The image and teachings of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara are derived from Buddhist scriptures such as the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra. According to legend, upon witnessing the suffering of all living beings, Avalokitesvara made a vow to save them all. However, when he discovered the endless suffering of all living beings, he was overwhelmed with grief and his body broke into thousands of pieces. At this time, Amitabha Buddha used his divine power to reassemble him and gave him four arms, symbolizing the four immeasurable minds (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity) so that he could better save all living beings.

The image of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is also closely related to the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which is believed to be able to purify the karma of sentient beings in the six realms and help them escape from the cycle of reincarnation.

**SYMBOLS AND IMAGES**

The image of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is usually:

- **White body**: symbolizes a pure and untainted compassionate heart.

- **Four arms**: The first two arms are clasped in front of the chest, symbolizing the combination of wisdom and compassion; the right back holds a crystal rosary, representing the endless efforts to save sentient beings; the left back holds a white lotus, symbolizing purity and wisdom.

- **Wearing a Five Buddha Crown**: represents the wisdom of the Five Buddhas.

- **Sitting on the Lotus Moon Wheel**: symbolizes compassion and pure state.

**BELIEF AND PRACTICE**

The Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is widely worshipped in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in Tibet, where he is regarded as the patron saint of the snowy land. Practicing the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara method, including reciting the six-syllable mantra and visualizing his image, is believed to increase compassion, purify karma, and bring inner peace and wisdom.

In addition, Mount Wutai is considered one of the dojo of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara, and many Buddhists go there on pilgrimage to pray for the blessings of wisdom and compassion.

The story and image of the Four-Armed Guanyin not only demonstrate Buddhism's pursuit of compassion and wisdom, but also inspire people to treat all living beings with compassion.