Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Name and Mythological Background
Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig, is a revered Bodhisattva of Compassion and emanation of the Compassion of all Buddhas. It is said that he hears the prayers of all sentient beings in times of suffering.
In a Buddhist story, Chenrezig vows to help all beings free themselves from suffering. Despite his efforts, this is unlikely to be achieved. Consequently, he shatters his arms into pieces in order to reach all beings in pain. This is why Chenrezig has eleven heads and a thousand arms and eyes.
Mantra of Avalokiteshvara
The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is Chenrezig's name mantra. Reciting it and meditating on it invokes Chenrezig's power and blessings of compassion, loving kindness and Bodhicitta. When we are compassionate, we experience a glimmer of our connection with Bodhicitta.
He holds a wishful-filing jewel in his two front hands. His upper right hand holds a crystal akshamala, symbolising the liberating infinite circle of sentient beings from samsara. In his left hand he holds a white lotus, signifying pure compassion towards all sentient beings.
He is draped in silk garments, symbolising his smooth living in samsara. Both legs are in the "diamond pose" of meditation, symbolising an immovable meditative state. He is seated on a row of lotus petals, indicating that he is above samsaric desire.
The Significance of Boddhisattva
Chenrezig is a "Bodhisattva," in Tibetan Jangchub Sempa, who has realized Bodhicitta. Bodhisattvas are defined by two main characteristics. Firstly, they devote themselves to achieving enlightenment with the intention of helping other beings. Secondly, they are courageous enough to remain in samsara for as long as it takes to help everyone.
From the Buddhist perspective, all beings are believed to possess an inherent capacity for compassion, which is regarded as a source of inner peace and happiness. Buddhism is a culture that encourages the cultivation and extension of this quality through learning, contemplation and meditation, with the aim of fostering a harmonious society and global peace through the education of compassion.
Practice of Compassion
The fundamental practice of compassion entails a transformation in one's attitude towards other beings, achieved through an understanding of their lives and experiences. This training involves a gradual and progressive increase in sensitivity towards other beings. Buddhist doctrines propose that the cultivation of the four immeasurable thoughts is also referred to as the four abodes of Brahmā.
The four Brahmavihāra, or "divine abodes," are four mental attitudes or virtues to be cultivated through practices that develop them, called bhāvanā, or meditation, cultivation of the mind.
The four Brahmavihāra are:
1. Immeasurable Benevolence, or loving kindness, is also known as unselfish love.
2. Immeasurable Compassion is a quality that is empathetic, rather than pitying.
3. Immeasurable Joy is a quality that is communicated to others and shared in the joy of others.
4. Immeasurable Equanimity is the ability to offer consideration to all, without being indifferent.
These qualities are immeasurable because they consider sentient beings in an infinite number of universes indiscriminately. The practice of living with such a spirit of mind and heart eventually leads to progress in the cultivation of great compassion, which in turn leads to the heart of Bodhicitta, which defines the spirit of a Bodhisattva.
The Life and Engagements of Bodhisattvas
The life and engagements of Bodhisattvas are described in detail by the Buddha Avatamsaka Sutra and the Bodhisattvacharyavatara Shastra, as well as by Tibetan tradition of Lo Jong treatises. A brief example of a practice of Bodhicitta text commonly used in the Tibetan tradition is the Eight Verses of Mind Training.
Another example is the recitation of prayers by Bodhisattvas on a daily basis. This is outlined in the 10th chapter of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara and the Meta Sutra, as well as the Sutra of Compassion.
This brief note on Bodhisattva of Compassion may be of benefit to an infinite number of sentient beings.
Geshe Gedun Tharchin
27 May 2024
1. Meaning of the Avaloketsvara's Extensive Dharana
