| Chenrezig is a form of Avalokiteshvara. Chenrezig is | | | | immeasurable compassion, immeasurable joy, and |
| also known as the Buddha of Compassion or 4 armed | | | | immeasurable equanimity. |
| Avalokiteshvara. Of all the deities in Mahayana | | | | Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Boundless Compassion, |
| Buddhism, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig, | | | | is the very embodiment and realization of the four |
| is one of the most celebrated. He is the lord endowed | | | | immeasurable. The four immeasurable are the vehicles |
| with complete illumination, who refrains from entering | | | | through which Chenrezig benefits beings. "The first |
| the blissful state of nirvana to remain here below and | | | | two, the inner arms, have palms joined at the heart, |
| save the creatures of the earth. This devotion to the | | | | holding a sky-blue, and wish fulfilling jewel." This |
| salvation of others emphasizes the profound | | | | symbolizes that in whatever way Chenrezig manifests |
| compassion this bodhisattva represents. In the Tibetan | | | | to benefit beings, the quality of Chenrezig's mind is |
| Buddhist pantheon of enlightened beings, Chenrezig, | | | | never separate from the all pervasive primordial |
| Avalokiteshvara, is renowned as the embodiment of | | | | wisdom. In the outer right hand, Chenrezig is holding |
| the compassion of all the Buddhas, the Bodhisattva of | | | | crystal beads and moving them the way we use a |
| Compassion. | | | | mala to count mantras. This symbolizes that there is |
| Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig, is visualized in many | | | | not one moment when Chenrezig does not benefit |
| forms, with various numbers of faces and arms, and | | | | beings. Like the steady movement of counting the |
| various colors and ornaments. The radiant white | | | | beads, Chenrezig is continuously benefiting sentient |
| Buddha form representing purity and power of the | | | | beings and turning the wheel of enlightened activity. In |
| enlightened mind's loving kindness and compassion is | | | | the outer left hand, Chenrezig holds a lotus flower. This |
| illustrated above and at the very top of this page. He | | | | symbolizes that in benefiting sentient beings, Chenrezig |
| sits on a lotus and the flat disc of the moon, with | | | | manifests in whatever forms are necessary in |
| another moon disk behind him, reflecting his total purity. | | | | accordance with the mental capacities, circumstances, |
| Two of his four arms are joined in the prayer position | | | | and aptitudes of sentient beings. Chenrezig may |
| holding the wish fulfilling gem. In his other left hand he | | | | appear in any of the different realms, such as the hell |
| holds a lotus flower and in his other right hand, a | | | | realm or the hungry ghost realm. However Chenrezig |
| crystal mala (rosary), which he is using to count the | | | | may appear, he remains free from any of the |
| repetitions of his mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, Hail to | | | | samsaric stains of the various realms, the way a lotus |
| the Jewel in the Lotus, which liberates all beings from | | | | flower growing in a swamp appears free of the stain |
| suffering. He wears the silks and ornaments of a | | | | of the mud. The left hand of Chenrezig, holding the |
| Bodhisattva, representing all his special qualities, and the | | | | flower, symbolizes that stainlessness. All the various |
| soft skin of an antelope over his shoulder, symbolizing | | | | features of this image have meaningful connections to |
| his complete freedom from violence. He smiles with | | | | the wonderful qualities of Chenrezig, and by focusing |
| deep understanding, love and compassion as his eyes | | | | on these details as we visualize the image in the |
| look upon all beings. The four arms and hands signify | | | | meditation, we can gradually awaken our own |
| the four immeasurable: immeasurable loving kindness, | | | | awareness of those same qualities in ourselves. |