Traditional thangka "Avalokiteshvara", "Manjushri", "Vajrapani"

This contemporary hand-painted thangka shows Avalokiteshvara (Tib. Chenrezig) in his form as the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara (Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara), the embodiment of the infinite compassion of all Buddhas.

Details:

• Painting size: 38 x 51 cm
• Brocade frame: 69 (79) x 108 cm
• Brocade colors: orange, yellow, green

The painting is of very high quality. As with all of the thangkas available from Atelier Tibet, this is a one-of-a-kind piece that has been painstakingly crafted by hand and is only offered once in its details and colors.

These thangkas are hand-painted on canvas by the most experienced artists in Nepal according to the strict iconographic rules of the Tibetan style using traditional colors. They captivate with their intense colors, intricate details and deep spiritual symbolism. The brocade frame is vegan and woven with classic patterns. The thangka is covered with an orange silk veil for protection and decoration.

Description of motif:

This thangka shows Avalokiteshvara (Tib. Chenrezig) in his form as the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara (Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara), the embodiment of the infinite compassion of all Buddhas.

In the center stands Avalokiteshvara with white body color and eleven heads, which are arranged in three rows one above the other. The topmost heads are red and green, and at the very top sits the head of Amitabha, his spiritual master and Buddha of boundless light. His many eyes in his hands symbolize that he sees the suffering of all beings in all directions, and his thousand hands show his infinite ability to provide help.

The main hands are folded in front of his heart in the prayer gesture (Anjali Mudra) and hold a jewel symbolizing the three jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). Other hands hold various ritual objects such as a wheel, a prayer chain, a lotus, a vase or a bow-string combination, representing different aspects of his compassionate activity. Some hands are open in protective and blessing mudras.

He stands on a multicolored lotus throne resting on an elaborately painted pedestal with jewels and offerings. Further deities or bodhisattvas are depicted at the bottom left and right of the picture. Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, sits serenely at the bottom left, while Vajrapani, a wrathful, blue protective deity, appears at the bottom right, symbolizing the interplay of peaceful and powerful methods in Vajrayana Buddhism.

The background is filled with flowers, clouds and mountains, representing the pure Buddha landscape. The thangka is framed with a gold-colored brocade with floral patterns, decorated with two red vertical ribbons and an orange silk cloth draped on top, covering the thangka when not in use. At the bottom are the traditional brass-colored end scrolls.

This representation is used for compassion and Chenrezig puja practices and is a reminder that Avalokiteshvara has vowed to remain in samsara until all beings are liberated. His mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is one of the most famous Buddhist mantras and is associated with him.