AVALOKITESHVARA

 

AVALOKITESHVARA BODHISATTVA 1000 ARMS

According to an old Tibetan tradition, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara has a special relation with the people of Tibet. A Bodhisattva is a warrior or hero of enlightenment, a being who is on the path to Buddhahood. but in sense, Avalokiteshvara is even more than a Buddha. After attaining Buddhahood, he voluntarily returned to the way of a Bodhisattva in order to lead all beings to Buddhahood. Thus Avalokiteshvara is considered the manifestation of the selfless, unconditional compassion of the Buddha's.

In order to share the Buddhas teachings and relieve the suffering of followers. In many paintings and sculptures, Avalokiteshvara is shown in the typical garb of a Bodhisattva a prince like wearing robes, a crown and jewelry. Avalokiteshvara can be distinguished from other Bodhisattvas by the lotus he holds in one hand, symbolizing the potential in us all to attain enlightenment. He also typically wears a small image of Amitabha Buddha, in his crown representing his spiritual association with this particular Buddha.

THE FOUR MYTHICAL ANIMALS

 

TIGER, SNOW LION, GARUDA, DRAGON

The four mythical animals represent the sacred qualities and attitudes that Bodhisattvas develop on the path to enlightenment - qualities such as awareness, vast vision, confidence, joy, humility and power.

PRAYER WHEEL

 

PRAYER WHEEL

Prayer wheels are very important objects for Buddhist practice. The inside of the prayer wheel is filled with chants printed on written paper and wrapped around a central spindle. Chants like "OM MANI PADME HUM" are also written on the outside of the wheel. Buddhists believe that, by turning the prayer wheels, their defilements of the Body, Speech and Mind, will be purified and that they will gain immeasurable merits.