Avalokiteśvara is the bodhisattva who represents the compassion of all Buddhas. He is the most honored bodhisattva in all of Tibet's vast pantheon of deities. In Tibetan, Avalokiteśvara is identified as Chenrezig, and is said to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa and other high lamas.

The name Avalokitesvara has the meaning of "he who observes the sounds of the world". The great promise of Avalokitesvara is to hear to the supplications, and cries for help from those in trouble in the material world and to provide them with support.  Here is portrayed in his most powerful, royal form, with eleven faces, one thousand eyes, and one thousand arms.

One legends says that Avalokiteshvara, the all pitying one, descended into hell, converted the wicked, liberated them, and conducted them to paradise. He discovered, however, to his dismay, that for every culprit converted and liberated, another instantly took his place. Legend claims that his head split into ten pieces from grief and despair on discovering the extent of wickedness in the world, and the utter hopelessness of saving all mankind.

According to the Karandavyuha Sutra, Avalokitesvara is invoked in the six-syllable mantra Om Mani Padme Hum.  This mantra is recited by believers across Tibet and may often be found carved in mani stones placed in auspicious places. 

This painting suffers from erosion and damage to the paint across most of its surface. Careful cleaning and retouching will be required to restore Avalokitesvara's thousand arms to their original whiteness.

Cost to sponsor: $5,000

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