Chenrezig ritual thangka art

Description

Chenrezig ritual thangka art is hand painted on cotton canvas by a thangka artist from Nepal. Chenrezig is also known as Avalokitesvara. Chenrezig is the most revered of all Bodhisattva embodying the compassion of all Buddhas.

Chenrezig is presented at the center of the thangka. Manjushree is presented at the left down of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Vajrapani is presented at the right down of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Shakyamuni Buddha is presented at the top of the Chenrezig in the thangka.

Mantra of Chenrezig

The Mantra of Chenrezig is Om Mani Padme Hum.

Iconography of Chenrezig

Chenrezig is presented at the center of the thangka. Chenrezig Tibetan Art is visualized 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 his other left hand, he holds a lotus flower and in his other right hand, there is a crystal mala which he is using to count the repetitions of his mantra.

Iconography of Manjushree

Manjushree is presented at the left down of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Manjushree is the Bodhisattva who holds the flaming sword of enlightenment, by his left hand in a warning hand gesture in the left hand representing his realization of wisdom to cut through ignorance & wrong view. His right hand depicted in teaching holds the stem of a Blue Lotus flower upon which rests the Book (Pustaka) of Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom.

Mantra of Manjushree

The mantra of Manjushree is Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih.

Iconography of Vajrapani

Vajrapani is presented at the right down of the Chenrezig in the thangka. Vajrapaṇi is one of the earliest bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of the Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power.

Vajrapani is pictured dancing wildly within a halo of flames which represents transformation. He holds a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand which emphasizes the power to cut through the darkness of delusion. Vajrapani looks wrathful, but as a representation of the enlightened mind. He is completely free from hatred.

Mantra of Vajrapani

The mantra of Vajrapani is om vajrapani hum phat.

Iconography of Shakyamuni

Shakyamuni Buddha is presented at the top 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.

Shakyamuni Buddha Mantra

The mantra of Shakyamuni is Om Muni Muni Maha Muniye Soha.