Buddhist Deity: Avalokita, Chaturbhuja (Symbolic Meanings)
Avalokiteshvara, Chaturbhuja IconographyChaturbhuja Avbalokiteshvara Tantric Symbolism
Chaturbhuja Avalokitesvara (T. Chenrezig), also known as Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, is a very popular figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the New Translation schools (Sarma). He is male, peaceful in appearance, white in colour, with four arms and seated in vajra posture.
The figure is revered as the representation of a deity and is also considered to be the Tantric meditational deity (T: yidam. S: ishtadevata) form of the Bodhisattva of Compassion as described in the Mahayana sutra literature. The four arms symbolize the four immeasurable (Chatur Brahma Vihara) aspects of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. In some tantric systems, these four aspects can also represent the four activities of peaceful, increase, powerful and wrathful.
The significant visual characteristic of Chaturbhuja are the four arms. The first two hands, or upper two hands, are joined in the gesture of respect, reverence or prayer at the heart, also known as the 'anjali gesture'. With the two hands placed together with only the fingers and heels of the palms touching, this represents the important Tantric concept of the union of method and wisdom, compassion and emptiness, or samsara and nirvana. It also signifies his veneration to his spiritual teacher, Amitabha Buddha.
In the lower right hand outstretched to the side, also called the second pair of hands, he holds a crystal mala, or prayer beads, which according to some explanations signifies continuous practice and the cycle of time, or the release of beings from samsara. In his lower left hand, he holds a lotus flower often described as made from crystal, a common symbol in Buddhism that represents purity and renunciation, indicating that despite remaining in the samsaric world of suffering, Avalokitesvara remains untouched by its defilements, just like a lotus growing up from the mud of a water pond.
Complete Set of Ornaments:
1. Crown
2. Earrings
3. Choker necklace
4. Long necklace
5. Belt
6. Apron (girdle)
7. Bracelets & armlets
8. Anklets
For the Buddhist practitioner the symbolism of Chaturbhuja is understood as rich and complex, with many more detailed explanations to be found explaining the specific symbolism of the various garments, the different ornaments such as the crown and earrings, along with the moon disc and lotus seat. All of this is believed to reflect Avalokitesvara's limitless compassion and dedication to the welfare of all sentient beings. His representation is designed to inspire those practitioners to cultivate these qualities and to use them for the benefit of all beings.
Shinzo Shiratori, 7-2023
(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).
