Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
at his pure land Potala

Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ infinite compassion. He is white in color and has different aspects.

His first two hands are pressed together at his heart supplicating all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to look after sentient beings and protect them from suffering. These hands hold a wish-fulfilling jewel symbolic of Avalokiteshvara’s compassionate bodhichitta motivation. His other right hand holds a crystal rosary symbolizing his ability to liberate beings from samsara with ideal means, and reminding the practitioner to recite his six-syllable mantra OM MA NI PAD ME HUM.

In his left hand he holds the stem of an utpala lotus flower symbolizing his stainless and compassionate bodhichitta motivation. The utpala in full bloom together with two buds stand for the three times and indicate that Avalokiteshvara’s compassionate wisdom encompasses past, present and future. Over his left shoulder is draped the skin of a wild deer, representing the compassionate bodhisattva’s kind and gentle nature and his ability to subdue the untamed delusions.

Avalokiteshvara is dwelling at his pure land Wǔtái Shān. Below him is depicted two Great Bodhisattvas — Manjushri and Vajrapani in a peaceful form.

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara at his pure land Potala

2008, 63.5 x 45.5 cm

silk, Chinese ink, herbal colors

 

Author’s property