Avalokitesvara

 

 

Inside the Senaskhang of Lamayuru Monastery, a statue of Avalokitesvara is draped with ceremonial scarves, or khatas. Offerings are placed by the faithful in a gesture of respect and devotion. The ‘Embodiment of Infinite Compassion,’ Avalokitesvara was the prototype for the Buddhist savior-saints known as Bodhisattvas. Mahayana Buddhists, especially the Bodhisattvas, or Buddhas-to-be, look for guidance from the all-knowing and all-seeing god of eleven heads and a thousand outstretched arms, with an eye in every open palm.

Lamayuru, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

 

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