Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig)


The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion

Who is Avalokiteshvara?

Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit: Avalokiteśvara, Tibetan: སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས་, Chenrezig) is the embodiment of boundless compassion in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. His name means “The One Who Hears the Cries of the World.”

For centuries, Avalokiteshvara has been revered as a protector and guide, responding to the suffering of all beings without hesitation. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is considered the spiritual son of Amitabha Buddha, and Tibet itself is often regarded as his sacred domain.

Symbolism and Iconography

  • Color: Pure white (symbolizing the purity of compassion)
  • Number of Arms: Often depicted with two, four, or a thousand arms — each hand reaching out to help beings in all directions
  • Faces: Sometimes shown with multiple faces, reflecting the ability to see all beings’ suffering at once
  • Attributes: A lotus flower (purity), a wish-fulfilling jewel (bodhicitta), and a rosary (unceasing compassion)
  • Mantra Wheel: Represents the continuous flow of compassion in action

Spiritual Significance

Avalokiteshvara’s compassion is unconditional — it does not judge who is worthy. His vow is to remain in the world until all beings are freed from suffering. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is considered his living incarnation.

“No prayer is too small, no being too lost — Avalokiteshvara hears them all.”

When to Call Upon Avalokiteshvara

  • In times of emotional pain, grief, or despair
  • When seeking to cultivate empathy and kindness
  • To protect loved ones from harm
  • As a guide in transforming anger or fear into compassion

Mantra

Sanskrit:Om Mani Padme Hum
Tibetan: ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུྃ་

This mantra, meaning “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus”, is one of the most recited in Tibetan Buddhism. It invokes the pure, transformative compassion of Avalokiteshvara.

Avalokiteshvara in Your Life

Bringing Avalokiteshvara’s image, thangka, or mantra into your home invites a presence of deep empathy, healing, and spiritual protection — a reminder that compassion is the heart of awakening.

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“To remember Avalokiteshvara is to remember that kindness is our truest nature.”