This original hand painted Chenrezig Tibetan Thangka features 24k gold detailing. As a result, the Tibetan embodiment of compassion is depicted in divine form. Tibetan Buddhists believe that Chenrezig is the incarnation of the bodhisattva of compassion. Therefore, Chenrezig is endowed with infinite compassion for sentient life. So much so, that Chenrezig would even lay down one of his lifetimes for an enemy.
There is rich symbolism included in our Chenrezig Tibetan Thangka. Indeed, Chenrezig’s 4 arms are metaphors for each of the 4 immeasurables – loving kindness, appreciative joy, compassion and equanimity. Between the two hands clasped in front of his chest he holds the wish fulfilling cintamani jewel. In his upper right hand, he holds the 108 mala beads because he is constantly reciting his mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum”.
His mantra is in honor of the sacred lotus flower that represents enlightenment to Buddhists. A lotus flower begins its existence as a seed at the bottom of a murky pond. A simile is drawn between the murky pond and the sea of suffering – samsara. As a result, our Chenrezig Tibetan thangka encourages devotees to overcome the murky water and reach enlightenment. This is illuminated by the beautiful lotus flower which he holds by the stem in his upper left hand.
The thangka painting includes depictions of important deities with a close affiliation to Chenrezig. In the top middle of the painting is Amitabha Buddha, in the bottom right is Vajrapani and bottom left is Manjushri. Click here to learn more about Chenrezig.
