Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara is a significant bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, representing compassion and mercy. This enlightened being is venerated across various cultures, taking on different forms and identities; for instance, he is known as Kannon in Japan, Kwanse'um in Korea, and Guanyin in China. The name Avalokiteshvara translates from Sanskrit to "the lord who looks upon the world with compassion," highlighting his role as a protector and guide for those seeking enlightenment. Traditionally, he is depicted as male, though he is often portrayed as female in Chinese culture, reflecting diverse interpretations of his essence.
Avalokiteshvara is believed to have committed to delaying his own attainment of nirvana until all beings have reached it, embodying selflessness. Iconographically, he is represented in various forms, sometimes with multiple heads and arms to signify his ability to perceive and alleviate the world's suffering. Central to his worship is the mantra "om mani padme hum," a phrase that invokes his assistance and deepens spiritual connection. Additionally, Avalokiteshvara's incarnations, including the Tibetan Chenrezig and the Chinese KuanYin, illustrate the belief in multiple lives and forms within Buddhist philosophy. This bodhisattva plays a crucial role in the faith, particularly as a responder to those in need, making him a cherished figure for many Buddhists worldwide.
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Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara is a Buddhist bodhisattva, or enlightened being, that is part of the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara is seen as male in some cultures and female in others. He is believed to have become part of the religious observations of Buddhists in India, Asia, and other parts of the world somewhere between the second and fifth centuries CE. The bodhisattva is known by different names in some parts of Asia; these include Kannon or Kanzeon in Japan; Kwanse'um in Korea; Quanam in Vietnam; Lokesvara in Cambodia; Nath Deviyo in Sri Lanka; Chenresi in Tibet; and Guanyin, Buanshiyin, or Guanzizai in China. The different names reflect some of the various characteristics attributed to Avalokiteshvara. However, the being is most often associated with the traits of compassion and mercy.
Background
In Sanskrit, the philosophical language used in both Hinduism and Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara means "the lord who looks upon the world with compassion." Avalokiteshvara is a bodhisattva, or enlightened being. The bodhisattvas are those who seek enlightenment, or the highest level of being, known as nirvana, for themselves and for others. Traditional Buddhism recognizes two bodhisattvas to whom followers can turn for guidance on their own paths—the Buddha and Maitreya, the future Buddha—but Mahayana and other forms of Buddhism recognize a number of bodhisattva, including Avalokiteshvara.
The bodhisattvas are often seen as those who have put aside their own path to enlightenment to help others achieve theirs. Buddhists believe that Avalokiteshvara has promised to postpone his own achievement of nirvana until every other being in the world has reached it first. He listens to the prayers and appeals of others and attempts to help resolve them to help others reach nirvana.
It is unclear exactly when Buddhists began venerating Avalokiteshvara, but it is believed to have happened in the second through fifth centuries. This is based largely on the earliest artistic renditions of the bodhisattva as well as the earliest mentions of Avalokiteshvara in Buddhist writings. There are several versions of how he came into being. One of the most common explanations is that the bodhisattva was originally a Tibetan monk known for his gentleness, kindness, and concern for others. Other sources say Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the entire world's compassion. Some Western scholars believe that Avalokiteshvara was borrowed from Hinduism and is a Buddhist version of Vishnu, the greatest god in the Hindi faith.
Overview
Avalokiteshvara is often depicted as being male, except in China, where the bodhisattva is usually female. Painted depictions sometimes show Avalokiteshvara as having eleven heads and one thousand hands with an eye on the palm of each hand. They represent the bodhisattva's ability to see all the troubles of the world and to reach out to help heal them. The images sometimes incorporate a willow branch, which represents the bodhisattva's healing abilities, and water, which purifies, removes suffering, and extends life. Another version shows the bodhisattva with one head and four arms, two folded in prayer and two holding his symbols. This version is most common in Tibet.
In many sculpted renditions, he is standing and dressed in long flowing robes that are open to show a large beaded necklace. When Avalokiteshvara is seated, he is usually shown with one foot up on the seat and the knee raised while the other leg is draped down over the seat, a position often associated with royalty. In China, the figures often include an attendant or a young child with the bodhisattva. Some icons or statues show Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity in Buddhism, and with an image of the Buddha in his headdress or crown.
The fact that Avalokiteshvara is sometimes seen as male and sometimes as female is generally attributed to reincarnation. The belief that people live multiple lives, one after another, is a key part of the Buddhist faith. It is believed that this happens to give each individual the opportunity to live successive lives that are more perfect each time, moving him or her closer to nirvana. Buddhists believe that Avalokiteshvara has lived multiple lives and therefore has multiple identities, names, and genders.
Some of these incarnations have been more significant than others have been. For instance, the male Tibetan incarnation called Chenrezig is believed to have been one-half of the couple that birthed the Tibetan people. Some also believe that the Dalai Lama is an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara. The Chinese incarnation KuanYin is seen as a goddess of compassion and is also a patron whom the people turn to for protection when facing a natural disaster. In Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is seen as the main assistant of Aitabha Buddha, the founder of the Pure Land form of Buddhism. His role in this case is to be the chief responder to all those who call out in need.
One of the ways Buddhists appeal for assistance from Avalokiteshvara is by reciting a mantra. Mantras are words, phrases, or short sentences that have some spiritual significance. They can be said once but are often repeated. When said silently or aloud, mantras are thought to deepen the speaker's spiritual connection. One of the best-known mantras in Buddhism is one used to invoke the assistance of Avalokiteshvara. The mantra is om mani padme hum. Its literal translation is, "Behold, the jewel is in the lotus," but it has a spiritual meaning that defies translation and brings a much deeper meaning than the mere words convey.
Bibliography
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