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Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), c. 1500
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Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), c. 1500
Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), c. 1500. The figures 1, 000 arms surround the central figure like a radiating halo. Each hand has an eye in the palm to see the suffering of all beings, which generates the feeling of compassion that this figure embodies. The special form of the central image of Avalokiteshvara derives from the mystic vision of a nun named Gelongma Palmo, who was born a Kashmiri princess, but prayed for leprosy to avoid having to marry. As a nun she defeated the male representatives of different branches of Buddhism, but as her leprosy worsened, monks saw blood seeping from under the door of her cell. Accused of having a miscarriage, she was ejected from the monastery and went to meditate in a cave, where she achieved this vision of eleven-headed, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, who cured her leprosy and guided her on the path to enlightenment. Three-day community fasting rituals in her honor continue to be performed throughout the tantric Buddhist world
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Media ID 19620121
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This print showcases the remarkable artwork of the "Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), c. 1500". The central figure is surrounded by a mesmerizing display of one thousand arms, creating a radiant halo-like effect. Each hand in this divine manifestation possesses an eye in its palm, symbolizing the ability to see and understand the suffering endured by all beings. It is through this profound empathy that Avalokiteshvara embodies the essence of compassion. The unique form of this central image originated from a mystical vision experienced by Gelongma Palmo, a nun who was once a Kashmiri princess. In her quest to avoid marriage, she prayed for leprosy and eventually became a nun after defeating male representatives from various Buddhist branches. However, as her condition worsened, accusations arose when blood was discovered seeping from under her cell door. Unjustly accused of having had a miscarriage, she was expelled from the monastery. Seeking solace and enlightenment, Gelongma Palmo retreated to meditate in a cave where she encountered an extraordinary vision - that of eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara with one thousand arms. Not only did this divine entity cure her leprosy but also guided her on the path towards spiritual awakening. To honor Gelongma Palmo's transformative experience and devotion to Avalokiteshvara, communities throughout the tantric Buddhist world continue to perform three-day fasting rituals dedicated to her name. This print serves as both an artistic masterpiece and a reminder of compassion's power within us all.
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