Tibetan Buudhist Deity Chenrezig (Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara)

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Name: Tibetan Buudhist Deity Chenrezig (Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCR74
Price: 150.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$173

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Specifications

	ZCR74
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 6 inch
	Width: 4.5 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 700 gm

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	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Compassion: Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara

This exquisite statue depicts Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, the four-armed manifestation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, Chenrezig is revered as the patron deity and the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas. His name, Chenrezig, translates to "One Who Looks with Steadfast Eyes," signifying his unwavering gaze upon the suffering of all sentient beings. This particular form, Shadakshari, highlights the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is believed to be the essence of his compassion and a potent tool for liberation. The artistry of this statue is a testament to traditional Nepalese craftsmanship. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with pure 24-karat gold, it radiates an aura of divine purity and spiritual significance. The four arms of the deity symbolize different aspects of his compassionate activity. The two hands held at the heart in Añjali Mudra, or prayer position, signify devotion and the union of wisdom and method. One of the upper right hands holds a crystal mala, representing the continuous cycle of meditation and the practice of mantra recitation. The upper left hand clutches a lotus flower, a symbol of spiritual purity and enlightenment, blooming above the water of samsara. The serene expression on the deity's face, with eyes half-closed in contemplation, invites a sense of peace and spiritual connection.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Context

According to legend, Avalokiteshvara wept tears of compassion upon witnessing the suffering in the world. From his tears, a lake was formed, and from the lake, the deity Tara emerged, offering him solace and assistance in his mission. This story underscores the profound empathy and boundless love that Chenrezig represents. In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, Bodhisattvas are beings who have attained enlightenment but choose to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. Chenrezig's vow is to postpone his own final nirvana until all beings are freed from suffering. The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is intricately linked to Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara. Each syllable carries profound meaning: "Om" represents the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha; "Mani" means jewel, symbolizing the method to achieve enlightenment; "Padme" signifies lotus, representing wisdom; "Hum" indicates indivisibility, suggesting the union of wisdom and method. Reciting this mantra is believed to purify negative karma, cultivate compassion, and ultimately lead to enlightenment. This statue serves as a focal point for such practice, a tangible reminder of the path towards spiritual awakening.

A Sacred Icon for Devotion and Meditation

This sacred representation of Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara is more than just a decorative object; it is a powerful aid for meditation and a focal point for devotion. Its presence in a home or meditation space can inspire inner peace, cultivate compassion, and foster a deeper connection to the spiritual path. The intricate details, from the delicate ornamentation of the crown and jewelry to the graceful folds of the robes, reflect the reverence and skill invested in its creation. The shimmering 24-karat gold gilding imbues the statue with a sacred radiance, drawing the eye and inspiring awe. Displaying this image is an act of honoring the profound wisdom and boundless compassion that Chenrezig embodies, inviting these qualities into one's own life and the lives of those around.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.