The Manifestation of Compassion: 1000-Armed Chenrezig
1000-Armed Chenrezig
(Top to bottom): 1000-Armed Chenrezig and Dorje Shugden
Deity: 1000-Armed Chenrezig (English)
Alternative names: Arya Sahasrabhuja Ekadasamukha (Sanskrit); Chenrezig Chag Tong (Tibetan)
Chenrezig is known as the Buddha of Compassion and his 1000-armed form is a testament to his unceasing mission to help sentient beings overcome their suffering. Each of his 1,000 arms have eyes in the centre of their palms, representing not only Chenrezig’s ability to see the torment all sentient beings go through but also the 1,000 Buddhas of our aeon. In essence, he represents the great compassion of all 1,000 Buddhas combined into one figure. 1000-Armed Chenrezig is the main object of refuge in the profound fasting retreat practice known as Nyungne. The practice includes the keeping of strict vows, maintaining complete silence and fasting. It centres on the recitation of prayers and mantras while visualising 1000-Armed Chenrezig. ‘Nyungne’ in Tibetan literally means “abiding in the fast” and the practice is believed to heal diseases, help one to develop compassion and purify negative karma. The origins of the Nyungne practice stem from a figure known as Gelongma Palmo from the region of Afghanistan.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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Beautiful art rime thangka of the manifestation of compassion 1000-Armed Chenrezig and Dorje Shugden. Merely looking at it is a blessing. Thank you Rinpoche for explaining the details of this beautiful thangka.