Description
Chenrezig Buddhist Thangka Art is hand-painted on cotton canvas by Thangka artists from Nepal. Chenrezig is known as Avalokiteshvara. The weight of this thangka is 0.1kg and its size is 62 x 45cm.
He is the lord gifted with complete enlightenment who refrains from entering the blissful state of nirvana to remain here below and save the living being of the earth. Chenrezig is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
Chenrezig is presented in the center of the thangka. Shakyamuni Buddha is presented at the top left corner of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Vajrasattva is presented at the top of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Medicine Buddha is presented at the top right corner of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Two Disciples are presented at the bottom left and bottom right corner of the thangka.
Iconograhy of Chenrezig
Chenrezig is the lord gifted with complete enlightenment who refrains from entering the blissful state of nirvana to remain here below and save the living being of the earth. Chenrezig is evoked in many forms with various numbers of faces and arms, and various colors and ornaments. He sits on a lotus and the flat disc of the moon with another moon disk behind him reflecting his total purity.
Two of his four arms are joined in the prayer position holding the wish-fulfilling gem. In the left hand, he holds a lotus flower. In his right hand, he holds a crystal mala (rosary) which he is using to count the repetitions of his mantra
He wears the silks and ornaments of a Bodhisattva representing all his special qualities and the soft skin of an antelope over his shoulder. He is symbolizing his complete freedom from violence. He smiles with deep understanding, love, and compassion as his eyes look upon all beings.
Mantra of Chenrezig
The Mantra of Chenrezig is Om Mani Padme Hum.
Iconograpy of Shakyamuni Buddha
Shakyamuni Buddha is presented at the top left corner of the Chenrezig in the thangka. His left hand is in the lap holding a begging bowl while the right arm is extended across the leg with the fingers touching the earth.
His skin is golden in color, the eyes partially closed and the hair piled with a gold ornament adorning the top of the head.
A dot (bindi or “urna”) between the eyebrows and the earlobes is elongated and pierced. The shoulders are covered with an orange and red robe wrapped around the torso and legs and tied at the waist with a green sash.
Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha
The mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha is Om Muni Muni Maha Muniye Soha.
Iconography of Vajrasattva
Vajrasattva is presented at the top of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Vajrasattva is pure white in color and is sometimes known as the Prince of Purity. His name means “Adamantine Being”, or more poetically “Embodying Reality”.
He is a member of the Vajra family of Aksobhya which also includes Vajrapani. He is depicted as a young man in the prime of life, with all the silks and jewels of a wealthy prince.
In his right hand, he delicately balances a vajra at his heart. In his left hand, he holds a bell at his waist. The vajra represents Reality, and Compassion; while the bell represents Wisdom.
Vajrasattva is said to have been originated from the seed syllable Hum and is generally invoked for removal of obscuration of Kleshavarana and Jneya Avarana.
His hundred syllable mantra is very efficacious in purifying our defilements through confession practice. It is said if confession is done with the four opponent powers, then non-virtuous actions or obscurations will be purified.
The first opponent power is the force of reliance. This means looking upon the visualized image of Vajrasattva as the embodiment of one refuge. The second opponent power is the sincere regret for the non-virtuous action done by oneself.
The third opponent’s power is desisting from evil deeds. The fourth opponent power is to apply the power of good deeds; and especially regarding this case, practicing the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva without parting from Bodhicitta while remaining in the state of emptiness.
Vajrasattva is a very popular tutelary deity for Nepalese Vajracharya. He is worshipped very often by Nepalese Buddhists through the Guru Mandala ritual.
In some mandalas Vajrasattva represents the Adi Buddha or the Primordial Principle of Buddhahood in others, he changes places with Aksobhya in the East.
In Shingon Buddhism it is Vajrasattva that passes on the initiation of the Dharmakāya Buddha Mahāvairocana to Nagarjuna, thereby creating the Vajrayana lineage.
Mantra of Vajrasattva
Om Vajrasattva, keep your Samaya. As Vajrasattva, remain near me. Be steadfast towards me. Be very pleased with me. Be completely satisfied with me. Be loving to me. Grant me all my accomplishments. In all actions, make me mind pure and virtuous. Hum Ha ha ha ha hoh. O Blessed One, Vajra-nature of all the Tathagatas, do not abandon me. Be of vajra-nature, O great Samaya-being, aḥ.
Iconography of Medicine Buddha
Medicine Buddha is presented at the top right corner of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Medicine Buddha is the popular term for Bhaisajyaguru and refers to healing blue light transmitted by his representation and conception. Bhaisajyaguru means “Master of Blue Light”.
His healing energy is transmitted through a blue light wavelength called Vaydurya light. Medicine Buddha radiates this healing energy. Think of the light as internal chakra energy.
Mantra of Medicine Buddha
Namo bhagavate bhaisajyaguru vaiduryaprabharajaya tathagataya arhate samyaksambuddhaya tadyatha: om bhaisajye bhaisajye bhaisajya-samudgate svaha.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.