Description

Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara
Known also as the “Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin” or “Thousand-Eyed and Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion,” this deity stands among the Four Great Bodhisattvas revered in Chinese folk belief. As the left attendant of Amitabha Buddha, Thousand-Armed Guanyin forms the “Three Holy Ones of the West” alongside Amitabha and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva (Amitabha’s right attendant).
A symbol of supreme compassion, Thousand-Armed Guanyin silently safeguards devotees through adversities, alleviates ailments, and amplifies prosperity during fortunate times. In periods of misfortune, she dispels obstacles, neutralizes calamities, and guides one safely through crises, ultimately bestowing a lifetime of happiness, peace, and auspiciousness.
Within the pantheon of Avalokiteshvara manifestations, Thousand-Armed Guanyin embodies the culmination of karmic virtues. The “thousand” signifies boundlessness and perfection: her myriad hands represent the vastness of compassion, while her thousand eyes symbolize the flawless wisdom that perceives all suffering. As stated in the Dharani Sutra:
“Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara brings benefit and solace to all sentient beings. Aligning with their capacities, she fulfills every aspiration through the Fivefold Teachings corresponding to the Five Buddha Families.”