16" Padmapani Avalokiteshvara Standing Against an Ornamented Aureole | Tibetan Buddhist Deity Brass Idol

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Chenrezig: The Embodiment of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism

Out of all the deities of Avalokiteshvara in the Tibetan Pantheon of Buddhism, Chenrezig is the most renowned. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation of this Bodhisattva, a living symbol of boundless compassion. Chenrezig is conceptualized and visualized in various forms, with many faces and arms. He sits on a full-blown lotus crossing his legs. He is usually depicted having four arms that represent the four immeasurables; Immeasurable Compassion, Immeasurable Kindness, Immeasurable Joy, and Immeasurable Equanimity. His two arms join together at the heart in a prayer position holding a wish-fulfilling gem in between. With his upper left arm, he holds a lotus flower and with his other right arm, he holds a crystal rosary (mala) which he uses to count the repetitions of the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, which means “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus, which is capable of liberating all beings from their suffering”. His meditation is practiced by all the great Buddhists in the lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He is always depicted clad in the clothes of a Bodhisattva and wears the skin of an antelope on his shoulders. Bearing a soft smile on his beautiful face, he looks down upon the sentient beings with his eyes full of love and compassion.

What does Chenrezig represent?

The Bodhisattva Chenrezig is seen as and considered the embodiment of compassion and enlightenment. He appears on earth and looks upon every living being with immense compassion in his eyes and benefits them by turning the wheel of enlightened activity. Scholars believe that although Chenrezig appears in the material world, he is not affected by the modes of material nature and always remains pure and stainless just as a lotus flower remains free from the stains of mud. Chenrezig has all the good qualities that a Buddhist practitioner wishes to develop within himself. Thus, those who meditate upon the image of Chenrezig, gradually awaken those same qualities in themselves.

Can we keep Chenrezig statue at home?

According to Buddhist followers, keeping the statue of Chenrezig at home is highly auspicious. You can keep the statue anywhere in your home; be it your living room, meditation room, or area of worship. Since Chenrezig is very merciful and empathetic toward all living beings, he guides and inspires us from within, to walk the path of spirituality or self-realization. If you wish for a life full of enlightenment, joy, and spiritual bliss, free from anxiety and perplexity, you may meditate upon the glorious form of Chenrezig and chant his name in complete silence until you experience your heart open and your mind peaceful.

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?

Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

• The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

• To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.

• In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.