This classic 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara thangka depicts the bodhisattva with 1000 arms and 11 heads. The 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara story begins long ago when Avalokiteshvara made a vow to end all suffering. However, many of the beings he saved had again returned to their evil ways. After realizing the enormity of the obstacles that blocked his path, Avalokiteshvara exploded into thousands of pieces.
Fortunately, Amitabha Buddha was able to reconstruct Avalokiteshvara. However, he recreated Avalokiteshvara with extraordinary features. The purpose of the 11 heads is so that Avalokiteshvara can better see and hear all of the suffering of sentient life. There are nine heads for Avalokiteshvara, one head for Amitabha (top) and one head for wrathful Vajrapani. Additionally, the 1000 arms are so that the deity can work much faster to provide assistance to all sentient beings.
Each of Avalokiteshvara’s 1000 hands has the eye of perfected wisdom in the palm. This symbolizes the union of the five method perfections (fingers) with the sixth perfection of wisdom (eye). Our 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara thangka is on sale with free shipping worldwide. Click here to learn more about Avalokiteshvara.
