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THE THOUSAND ARMS AVALOKITESHVARA

Photographed by S. Doan

Symbolism

The Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara is one of many manifestations of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion. According to legend, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara made a vow to liberate all beings in all the realms of suffering, and would not rest until this task is done. After working for countless eons, the Bodhisattva realized that there were still innumerable beings yet to be saved. Having received the blessing from the Buddha Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara manifested into the bodhisattva of eleven heads, and a thousand arms. In this form, the Bodhisattva of loving- kindness is able to see in all directions to continue his work to save all beings.

The image of Avalokiteshvara, depicted with a thousand arms and eleven heads has the following meanings:

The head on top portrays the Buddha Amitabha, symbolizing the dharmakaya nature of Avalokiteshvara. The second head from the top represents Mahakala, the wrathful aspect of Avalokiteshvara, who helps practitioners to fight against negative forces and to overcome obstacles on their path. The nine remaining heads being set in three rows represent the directions: one being the center and the remaining eight represent the cardinal directions.

Avalokiteshvara's first two hands are at his heart, holding a wish-fulfilling gem to grant wishes to all beings. On his right, the second hand holds a rosary composed of 108 beads; the third right hand at the lowest row is in the gesture of giving; the fourth hand, in the middle holds a Dharma wheel, symbolizing the teachings. On his left, the second hand holds a lotus, symbolizing bodhicitta and purity; the third hand on the first row holds a vase of nectar of compassion and wisdom; the fourth holds a bow and arrow to defeat negative forces. The remaining 992 hands with one eye in each of the palms exhibit Avalokiteshvara’s pervasiveness.

With the thousand arms in his sambhogakaya form, Avalokiteshvara as a shining wish-fulfilling gem represents the supreme Bodhicitta and the awakened mind, the enlightened thought wishing to benefit all sentient beings. Many Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara in his nirmanakaya form, visible to human beings. The Dalai Lama embodies virtuosity through his principles of peace and compassion.

For more info., please visit: http://www.avalokiteshvara2005.org/bio.htm