Who is Avalokiteshvara, The Bodhisattva

How Avalokiteshvara was born?
According to Buddhist mythology, the birth of Avalokiteshvara is associated with the story of the Bodhisattva Amitabha. Amitabha, who know as the Buddha of infinite light, created a pure land known as Sukhavati, where beings could be reborn ad practice the Dhama with ease

As Amitabha contemplated the suffering of all sentient beings, a tear fell from his eye and transformed into the form of Avalokiteshvara. Avalokiteshvara asked Amitabha how he could help alleviate the suffering of all beings. Amitabha instructed Avalokiteshvara to listen to the cries of sentient beings with compassion and help them in way possible. In this way Avalokiteshvara become known as the Bodhisattva Of Compassion, who listen to the cries of all beings and help them overcome their suffering.

This story illustrates the compassion and commitment to alleviating suffering that Avalokiteshvara embodies, as well as his close association with Amitabha and the Pure Land tradition of Buddhism.

How we know about Avalokiteshvara, The Bodhisattva?
Avalokiteshvara is a Bodhisattva, or enlightened being, in Mahayana Buddhism. The name Avalokiteshvara is Sanskrit and translates to "Lord who looks down with compassion". In Chinese Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is known as Guanyin, in Japanese Buddhism as Kannon, and in Korean Buddhism as Gwam-Eum. 

Avalokiteshvara is considered the embodiment of compassion and is one of the most revered and popular Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. He is often depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing his ability to help beings in numerous ways simultaneously. He is also sometimes depicted holding a lotus flower, a symbol of purity, or a vase, which represents the ability to contain and share the waters of compassion.

Avalokiteshvara is praticularly associated with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" which chanted by Buddhist around the world as a means of invoking his compassions and blessings. 

Statue of Avalokiteshvara

Is Avalokiteshvara popular in Tibet?
Yes, Avalokiteshvara is very popular in Tibet and is considered one of the most important and revered Bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism, In Tibet, Avalokiteshvara is knows as "Chenrezig" or "Spyan-ras gzigs" in Tibetan language, which means "the one who looks with an eye of compassion".

In Tibet, Avalokiteshvara is believed to be the embodiment of compassion and is often depicted in different forms, such as with multiple arms and eyes, each with a different symbolic meaning, Tibetans believe Avalokiteshvara manifests in various forms to help beings according to their needs and that he always present, ready to help those who call upon him.

The pratice of reciting the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", which is associated with Avalokiteshvara, is also widely practiced in Tibet. It is believed that reciting this mantra can purify negative karma, increase positive energy, generate compassion and blessings from Avalokiteshvara. Overall, Avalokiteshvara is an important and beloved figure in Tibetan Buddhism, and his teachings and practices are widely followed and revered in Tibet and beyond.

Is Avalokiteshvara a powerful Bodhisattva?
Yes, Avalokiteshvara is considered one of the most powerful and important Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is known as the Bodhisattvas of compassion and is believed to have attained a very high level of spiritual and power.

Avalokiteshvara is revered for his ability to respond to the cries of all sentient beings with compassion and to assist them on their spiritual path. He is regarded as a protector and guide who can help beings overcome obstacles and difficulties on their path to enlightenment.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is also believed to have the ability to manifest in many different forms to help beings according to their needs. These manifestations include various peaceful and wrathful forms, each with specific attributes and functions.

Overall, Avalokiteshvara is regarded as a powerful and compassionate spiritual figure who can assist beings in a variety of ways, and his teachings and practices are widely followed and revered in many Buddhist traditions.

Avalokiteshvara, The Bodhisattva mantra