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.