About 1000-Armed Chenrezig

Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva who watches over all sentient beings with great compassion. Also known as Guanyin (in Chinese), Avalokiteshvara (in Sanskrit) or Kwannon (in Japanese), his mantra OM MANI PEME HUNG is recited in all Buddhist traditions around the world.

Chenrezig’s energy blesses our minds and encourages our development of compassion and loving-kindness. He also imparts calmness of mind and temper, inspires generosity, and encourages harmonious relationships.

His 1000-armed form is specifically known as Avalokita. Upon gaining enlightenment, Chenrezig made a vow never to rest until he had freed all sentient beings from suffering. Despite his best efforts however, countless beings still remained in samsara. Struggling to comprehend the needs of so many beings, Chenrezig’s head split into 11 pieces.

Seeing his plight, his guru Amitabha Buddha appeared to him and created 11 new heads from the 11 pieces, which he could use to hear the cries of those in samsara. Hearing so much suffering, Chenrezig stretched his arms out to help but they shattered into pieces from his efforts to help all. Coming to his aid once more, Amitabha bestowed him with a thousand new arms to aid sentient beings.

Each of his 1000 hands has an eye in the centre of the palm, representing not only his ability to see the torment all sentient beings endure but also the 1000 Buddhas of our aeon. His two main hands are folded in prayer, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel at his heart. In this same way, he holds Bodhicitta, or altruistic love for all sentient beings closest to his heart. He inspires us to practise real inner transformation of our negative qualities, thus becoming truly beautiful from the inside out.

Further Reading

• Why does Avalokita have 1,000 Arms? (video)
• Powerful and short praise to Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig)
• The self-arising Chenrezig
• Blessing eye problems
• Chenrezig Ngesung Kundrol

• Material: Copper, gold-plated
• Height: 153 mm (6-in)
• Width: 89 mm (3.5-in)
• Depth: 41 mm (1.6-in)
• Weight: 0.3 kg (0.6 lb)