Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri

Sanskrit:          Avalokiteshvara

Tibetan:           Chen-ri-zig

An embodiment of the compassion of all the buddhas (the fully enlightened mind), as visualized in the form of a meditational deity. He is known the 'Buddha of Compassion'. He usually appears as white in color with four arms. His first two hands are pressed together at his heart, symbolizing his respect for his Spiritual Guide, Buddha Amitabha, who is on his crown.

His first two hands hold a jewel, which symbolizes his own enlightenment. This mudra is indicating 'I attained jewel-like great enlightenment through receiving blessings from my Spiritual Guide Amitabha'.

His second left hand holds a white lotus flower. A lotus grows in the mud at the bottom of a lake, but its flowers bloom on the surface of the water, completely free from the stains of mud. By holding a lotus flower Avalokiteshvara is showing that because he attained enlightenment he is free from all obstacles, and has a completely pure body, speech and mind. His second right hand holds a crystal mala, symbolizing that he can free all living beings from samsara and lead them to liberation.

Avalokiteshvara is considered to be the patron deity of Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama is considered to be the primary earthly manifestation of the Chen-ri-zig.

The sacred mantra of Avalokiteshvara is the famous six-syllable mantra of Tibet- OM MANI PAD-ME HUM.

Jampel-Yang (Tibetan) Manjushri (Sanskrit)

Jampel-Yang is the embodiment of the discriminative awareness (prajna) of all the Buddhas as visualised in the form of a meditational deity. He represents the perfected state of the faculty of intelligence inherent within each individual’s mental continuum. As the bodhisattva of wisdom, he is shown as a beautiful youth with a golden yellow /white complexion. Normally depicted holding aloft a flaming sword of wisdom (representing discriminative awareness which realizes emptiness), in his right hand which cuts through ignorance and in his left hand a lotus blossom bearing the Perfection of Wisdom scripture (representing his master of all knowledge). He is also often depicted in a triad with Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) and Vajrapani (Chana Dorje), commonly known as Rig-sum Gon-po, symbolizing compassion, wisdom and power.