Material: Pure silver. Pendant (Four-armed Avalokiteshvara)

Size: Approx. 4.5 x 3.5 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **Four-armed Avalokiteshvara** (Tibetan: Chenrezig spyan ras gzigs dbang phyug, Sanskrit: Avalokiteshvara) is one of the most common images of Avalokiteshvara, symbolizing boundless compassion and wisdom, and is one of the most revered deities in Tibetan Buddhism. The following is a detailed description of the meaning and origin of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara in Tibetan Buddhism:

**The meaning of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara**

1. **The symbol of boundless compassion**:

Four-armed Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of compassion, representing unconditional love and salvation for all sentient beings. His four arms symbolize the multi-faceted compassionate power to save sentient beings, covering the three gates of body, speech, and mind, to help sentient beings escape the suffering of the six realms of reincarnation. His core vow is "I will not enter Nirvana as long as there are sentient beings suffering", which embodies the altruistic spirit of Mahayana Buddhism.

2. **The symbolic meaning of the four arms**:

The four arms of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara each have their own symbolic meanings, which are usually interpreted as the four immeasurable minds (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity) or the four Buddhist practices (pacifying disasters, increasing benefits, appeasing, and subduing). Specifically:

- **Two main arms**: one holds a rosary (representing chanting and practice), and the other holds a lotus (symbolizing purity and wisdom).

- **Two auxiliary arms**: one holds a crystal rosary (symbolizing purity and concentration), and the other holds an eight-petal lotus (symbolizing the Eightfold Path or pure mind).

- These instruments together symbolize that the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara guides sentient beings to liberation with wisdom and compassion.

3. **Purification and Blessing**:

The practice of Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is closely related to the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which is believed to purify the karma of the six realms, help practitioners and sentient beings eliminate suffering and increase blessings and wisdom. His mantra is the most widely chanted mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the power of compassion throughout the six realms.

4. **The core of Tibetan culture**:

In Tibetan Buddhism, Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is regarded as the guardian deity of the Tibetan people and is closely linked to the history, culture and spiritual heritage of Tibet. Tibetans believe that the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama are the incarnations of Avalokitesvara, embodying the secular incarnation of his compassion.

**Origin of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara**

1. **Roots of Indian Buddhism**:

The worship of Avalokiteshvara originated from Indian Buddhism, especially in Mahayana Buddhist classics such as the Lotus Sutra and the Prajnaparamita Sutra, where his compassionate image was widely recorded. As Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century, the teachings and practices of Avalokiteshvara were introduced by masters such as Padmasambhava and integrated into Tibetan culture.

2. **Localization of Tibetan Buddhism**:

In Tibet, Avalokiteshvara was given a unique status and became one of the core deities of Tibetan Buddhism. The image of Four-armed Avalokiteshvara is worshipped in the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and is particularly important in the practice of the Nyingma and Gelug schools. Tibetan Buddhism combines Avalokiteshvara with the historical legends of Tibet and believes that he is the protector of the Tibetan people.

3. **Fusion with Bon**:

In the process of absorbing Bon (the original religion of Tibet), Tibetan Buddhism integrated the compassionate image of Avalokitesvara with the worship of certain gods in Bon, making it easier for Tibetans to accept. The image of Four-armed Avalokitesvara may be influenced by the multi-armed gods of Bon, emphasizing its multi-faceted power of salvation.

4. **Classics and inheritance**:

The practice of Four-armed Avalokitesvara is mainly based on the Avalokitesvara Tantra (such as the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Great Perfection and Great Compassion Mantra Sutra) and the terma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The "Om Mani Padme Hum" mantra passed down by Guru Padmasambhava is closely related to the practice of Four-armed Avalokitesvara and is considered to be the essence of compassion and wisdom. In addition, all major sects of Tibetan Buddhism have initiations and rituals related to Four-armed Avalokitesvara.

**Image and Symbolism**

- **Appearance**:

The Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is usually depicted in white (symbolizing purity), wearing celestial clothes, wearing a five-Buddha crown (symbolizing the five wisdoms), with a compassionate and peaceful face, sitting on a lotus seat. His four arms hold different instruments:

- **Rosary**: symbolizes chanting mantras and uninterrupted practice.

- **Lotus**: symbolizes purity and enlightenment.

- **Water bottle or jewel** (sometimes appears): symbolizes the bestowal of compassion and merit.

- There is often an incarnation symbol of Amitabha on his chest, showing his close connection with Amitabha's Pure Land (Elysium).

- **Mantra and Blessing**:

The six-syllable mantra of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara, "Om Mani Padme Hum", is the most famous mantra in Tibetan Buddhism. It is said that every recitation can purify karma, increase compassion, and connect with the blessing of Avalokitesvara.

**Practice and ritual**

- **Daily practice**: Tibetan Buddhists cultivate compassion and wisdom by chanting the six-syllable mantra, visualizing the image of Four-armed Avalokitesvara, or practicing related rituals.

- **Prayers and offerings**: In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries (such as Namdroling Monastery), Four-armed Avalokitesvara ceremonies are common religious activities, especially when praying for peace, saving sentient beings, or liberating the souls of the dead.

- **Bardo salvation**: Four-armed Avalokitesvara practices are also used in the bardo stage to help the dead escape from the lower realms and obtain better reincarnation.

- **Cultural practice**: Tibetans often worship Four-armed Avalokitesvara in prayer wheels, thangkas, Buddha statues, or daily life, praying for his blessings and protection.

**Cultural and modern significance**

- **Core of Tibetan culture**: Four-armed Avalokitesvara is not only a religious deity, but also a symbol of Tibetan identity and culture. Tibetans believe that the compassion of Avalokitesvara is everywhere, whether in monasteries, families, or personal practice.

- **Dalai Lama's incarnation**: The Dalai Lama is regarded as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara, which gives the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara a special status in the political and religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

- **Global influence**: With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, the image of the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara and the six-syllable mantra have spread to all parts of the world, becoming a symbol of compassion and peace, attracting many non-Tibetan practitioners and believers.

**Summary**

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Four-Armed Avalokitesvara is the embodiment of compassion and wisdom, representing the boundless power of salvation and unconditional love for all beings. His four arms and ritual implements symbolize the various aspects of Buddhist career, and the six-syllable mantra is the essence of his compassionate power. It is derived from the classic teachings of Indian Buddhism, combined with the Tibetan Bon and Tantric traditions, and has become the core deity of Tibetan Buddhism. The Four-Armed Avalokitesvara not only plays an important role in religious practice, but is also deeply integrated into Tibetan culture and spiritual life, and continues to influence the practice and beliefs of contemporary Buddhists around the world.