This sculpture is that of Chenrezig, also known as Shadakshari Lokeshvara. He is an important manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is of special significance to the Tibetans; the Dalai Lamas are said to be incarnations of this form of the bodhisattva.
Shadakshari means six syllabled, the six syllables are OM MA NI PAD ME HUM and constitute the famous mantra of this bodhisattva that is constantly chanted by devout Tibetans. The mantra is considered so efficacious that it has been carved on numerous rock faces throughout Tibet. The explanation of OM MA NI PAD ME HUM is as follows:
OM closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the god's realm. The suffering of the gods arise from foreseeing one's fall from the god's realm. This suffering comes from pride.
MA closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the warring gods' (asuras') realm. The suffering of these asuras is constant fighting. This suffering comes from jealousy.
NI closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the human realm. The suffering of humans is birth, sickness, old age, and death. This suffering comes from desire.
PAD closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the animal realm. The suffering of animals is stupidity, preying upon one another, being killed by men for meat, skins, etc., and being beasts of burden. This suffering comes from ignorance.
ME closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the hungry ghosts' realm. The suffering of hungry ghosts is hunger and thirst. This suffering comes from greed.
HUM closes the door to the suffering of being reborn in the hell realm. the suffering of the hells is heat and cold. This suffering comes from anger or hatred.
Although bejeweled and crowned, the bodhisattva is represented as a perfectly poised yogi seated with his legs closely locked in the lotus posture. His eyes are downcast, as if in meditation.
An antelope skin is over his left shoulder.
He has four hands. The principal hands are raised to the chest with the palms enjoined in namaskarmudra, the gesture of prayer or greeting, and hold a wish-fulfilling gem. The upper right hand displays the rosary, while the corresponding left hand holds the lotus, the distinctive emblem of this bodhisattva.
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