The compassion bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is featured in this meditative altar statue.

Hand painted for a faux ivory finish, it makes a striking desk or table accent.

Made of cold cast resin. Hand painted.

L: 5.75" x W: 3.75" x H: 6.75"

Additional Information:
The name Avalokitevara combines the verbal prefix ava "down", lokita, a past participle of the verb lok "to notice, behold, observe", here used in an active sense; and finally īvara, "lord", "ruler", "sovereign" or "master". In accordance with sandhi (Sanskrit rules of sound combination), a+ivara becomes evara. Combined, the parts mean "lord who gazes down (at the world)".

The original meaning of the name fits the Buddhist understanding of the role of a bodhisattva. The reinterpretation presenting him as an īvara shows a strong influence of Hinduism, as the term īvara was usually connected to the Hindu notion of Vishnu (in Vaishnavism) or iva (in Shaivism) as the Supreme Lord, Creator and Ruler of the world. Some attributes of such a god were transmitted to the bodhisattva, but the mainstream of those who venerated Avalokitevara upheld the Buddhist rejection of the doctrine of any creator god.