Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (Four-armed Avalokitesvara)

Size: Approximately 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Four-armed Avalokitesvara (Tibetan: ཕྱག་མཐའ་བཞི་པ།, Chenrezig, Sanskrit: Avalokiteśvara) is an extremely important bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing great compassion and is one of the main incarnations of Avalokitesvara. Its image and meaning have profound religious, philosophical and cultural connotations in Tibetan Buddhism. The following is an overview of the meaning and origin of Four-armed Avalokitesvara:

**I. The meaning of Four-armed Avalokitesvara**

1. **Symbol of compassion**:

- Four-armed Avalokitesvara is the incarnation of compassion, representing infinite compassion, and is willing to save all sentient beings from suffering. Tibetan Buddhism believes that Avalokitesvara observes the suffering of sentient beings with boundless compassion ("observing" the "sound" of the world), and saves them with wisdom and convenient methods.

- The four arms represent the multiple abilities of the Bodhisattva, who can save sentient beings in different ways, showing the breadth and inclusiveness of compassion.

2. **The symbolic meaning of the four arms**:

- The four-armed Avalokitesvara usually has four arms, each holding a different instrument, symbolizing different aspects of practice and ways of salvation:

- **The first pair of arms**: The right hand holds a crystal rosary (representing chanting mantras, purifying the body and mind), and the left hand holds a lotus (symbolizing purity and wisdom).

- **The second pair of arms**: Both hands are clasped in front of the chest, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel (symbolizing the combination of compassion and wisdom, satisfying the wishes of sentient beings).

- These four arms also symbolize the "four immeasurable minds" (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity), reflecting the Bodhisattva's unconditional love and equality for sentient beings.

3. **The incarnation of the Six-Syllable Mantra**:

- The Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara is closely related to the most famous "Six-Syllable Mantra" (Om Mani Padme Hum) in Tibetan Buddhism. This mantra is considered to be the essence of Avalokiteśvara's compassion and wisdom. Practicing this mantra can purify karma, increase merit and wisdom, and correspond to Avalokiteśvara's compassion.

4. **The Guardian of All Beings**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara is regarded as the guardian of Tibet. Many Tibetans believe that the Dalai Lama is the incarnation of the Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara, who undertakes the mission of guiding all beings to liberation.

**II. The Origin of the Four-Armed Avalokiteśvara**

1. **Originated from Indian Buddhism**:

- The concept of Avalokiteśvara originated from Indian Mahayana Buddhism and became popular around the 1st to 2nd century AD. After Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, the image of Avalokiteśvara gradually integrated into the local culture and beliefs, forming a unique Tibetan Buddhist feature.

- The image of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara can be traced back to late Indian Buddhist art (such as the Pala Dynasty, 8th-12th century), and was later introduced to Tibet and further developed in Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Localization of Tibetan Buddhism**:

- In Tibet, the Four-armed Avalokitesvara has become one of the most revered bodhisattvas and is closely related to the tantric practice of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the correspondence with bodhisattvas through visualization, chanting and rituals, so the Four-armed Avalokitesvara has become the central image for practicing compassion and wisdom.

- In Tibetan Buddhist legends, the Four-armed Avalokitesvara is considered to be the savior of all living beings, and together with other bodhisattvas (such as Manjushri and Vajrapani), he constitutes the core bodhisattva group of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. **Legends and Myths**:

- According to Tibetan Buddhist legends, the Four-armed Avalokitesvara emerged from the tears of Amitabha Buddha, symbolizing the birth of compassion. Another theory holds that Avalokitesvara made a great vow to save all living beings from the suffering of reincarnation, and if this wish could not be fulfilled, he would split his head into a thousand pieces. When he felt helpless because of the suffering of sentient beings, his head really broke into thousands of pieces, and Amitabha reshaped it into the Thousand-armed Thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara, and the Four-armed Avalokitesvara is one of its simplified forms.

- In Tibetan mythology, the Four-armed Avalokitesvara is related to the creation legend of the snowy plateau. Tibetans regard it as a protector and are closely connected with the history and culture of Tubo.

### **Three. The practice of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara in Tibetan Buddhism**

1. **Visualization and ritual**:

- Tibetan Buddhists often practice compassion by visualizing the image of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara. Practitioners will visualize Avalokitesvara's four arms, white body (symbolizing purity), single face (representing focused compassion) and sitting posture (indicating inner peace).

- The recitation of the Six-syllable Great Bright Mantra is the core of the practice of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara. Tibetans often connect with the blessing power of Avalokitesvara through turning prayer wheels, rosary beads or daily recitation of mantras.

2. **Art and Culture**:

- The image of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara is widely seen in thangkas, sculptures and temple murals. Its gentle image and compassionate expression are deeply loved by Tibetans and have become an important theme in Tibetan Buddhist art.

- In Tibetan Buddhist festivals and ceremonies, the Four-armed Avalokitesvara is often the object of worship and prayer.

**Fourth, Summary**

The Four-armed Avalokitesvara is a symbol of compassion and wisdom in Tibetan Buddhism. Its four arms represent multi-faceted salvation capabilities and are closely related to the Six-syllable Great Bright Mantra. Its origin combines the Avalokitesvara belief in Indian Buddhism with the cultural legends of Tibet, making it one of the most revered bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism. By practicing the rituals and mantras of the Four-armed Avalokitesvara, Tibetan Buddhists seek to purify karma, increase compassion, and ultimately achieve liberation. The Four-armed Avalokitesvara is not only the core of religious belief, but also a symbol of Tibetan culture and spirit.

Four-armed Avalokitesvara (printed thangka with cloth frame)