4-Armed Chenrezigs Thangka Painting

This is a fairly large good-quality hand-painted thangka. The canvas is 16"X24." The surrounding silk brocade is 28"x 51". 

The 4-Armed Chenrezig (also known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit or Chenrezig in Tibetan) is a significant bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism and the embodiment of infinite compassion. His seated, cross-legged posture embodies peace and calm, while his radiant white color symbolizes his purity, reflecting that his compassion is unstained and untainted.  His four arms represent the four immeasurables—qualities he personifies to aid in the liberation of sentient beings.

The two central hands are held in prayer, symbolizing the unity of wisdom and compassion. They hold a small wish-fulfilling jewel representing the bodhisattva’s ability to grant the desires of beings and fulfill their spiritual needs. His upper left hand holds a blossoming white lotus flower (padma). The lotus is a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, as it grows unsoiled from muddy waters.His upper right hand holds a crystal mala (rosary) used in counting the mantra recitations: OM MANI PADME HUM.

I chose this thangka painting to photograph for our collection of Thangka Photos.