Chen+Rezig


 * Chen Rezig: Spiritual representation of his holiness, the Dali Lama**

When you break down the name Chen Rezig, the meanings are : chen (eye), re(continuity) and zig (to look). (wikipedia.com) When Chen Rezig could not comprehend the needs of so many people, his head split into eleven pieces. The reason with the eleven heads is that he could hear the crying of the suffering people. But knowing that he could not help the suffers with two hand, his hands fell into a thousand arms to be able to help more suffering people. The nature of Chen Rezig in every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely act for the benefits of others without concern for social position, fame, or recognition. The mind of the Chen Rezig can work in any form of a human, plant, animal or inert thing. There is a rich oral and scriptural legacy describing Chen Rezig, his acts and deeds, and the sadhanas/spiritual practices that relate to him. . The six-syllabled mantra "Om mani padme hum" is the household mantra for all the Buddhists. When visualization and mantra recitation, there are a few things to keep in mind: Even though the Chen Rezig is part of love and compassion, it also has to deal with Karma. Karma is the creator of all happiness and suffering. If we don't have negative karma, we will not get sick or recieve harm from others. Buddhism asserts that everything that happens to us now is the result of our previous actions, not only in this lifetime, but in other lifetimes. What we do now determines what will happen to us in the future. The definition of the Chen Rezig in the dictionary is that it is the Tibetan form of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The Chen Rezig is viewed as the founding father of the Tibetan people, and has had manifestations among them. (dictionary.babylon.com)
 * Title:** Chen Rezig
 * Artist:** Unknown
 * Country of Origin:** Himalaya
 * Date and Period:** Unknown
 * Size:** two feet three inches high and fifty six centimeters across
 * Current Location:** A bears Old Wares 12 High St. Yackandandah Victoria Australia 3749
 * Introduction:** This piece is of the fifth Dalai Lama known as Chen Rezig It is made of copper and also bras. Also gilded through out the piece is eighteen carat gold.
 * Descriptive Analysis:** Chen Rezig stands upward two feet three inches high and is fifty six centimeters across. The materials used for this piece is brass and gold. A lot of the gold is seen through out the middle of the art. In the center of the piece holds Chen rezig the fifth Dalai Lama. He is clothed in heavy looking robes. The two main hands are set in a prayer pose while the many hands are spread out fan like around the Dalai Lama in the center. The texture and use of different colors, and medians by the artist creates a wonderful piece to gaze at for longer then a few minutes. I would especially like to point out how the artist made the piece third dementional with the use of piling layers on top of layers. It's almost as though you would want to touch the piece and feel it's fine texture. The artist, whomever they may be knows chinese history for incorperating the tradtional Dalai Lama's pose with a twist that makes the viewer think. The piece itself is in good condition. It isn't clear how old it is or when exactly it was made, however there are no missing pieces it is as it was made originally.
 * Formal and Contextual Analysis:** Chen Rezig is the Tibetan name for bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, also known as the lord who looks down, and the Buddha of Compassion. When Chen Rezig looked at different beings with compassion, he saw that they were covered with many karmic veils formed by the influence of aversion, desire, blindness, pride and jealously. Although their suffering were immeasurable. Chen Rezig is the mode of being of the mind that is the union of compassion and emptiness. In us is Chen Rezig because of compassion, love and not qualities added to the mind. He is the visible expression taken by all the Buddha's to help activate the compassion and love that is the potential in all of us to reveal the ultimate Chen Rezig in ourselves. The Chen Rezig is also there to help with ones suffering with what happens in everyday life.
 * Try to open up your heart to all sentient beings
 * Think of suffering of friends, like you, they want to be free from suffering
 * Think of people you don't know, people you don't like, think of other beings, even animals want to be free from suffering
 * Make a request from your heart that you may develop more love and compassion for all beings
 * All negatives and problems are dissolved, and you are filled with love and compassion
 * Your mind becomes one with Chen Rezig, peace and joy

__**References:**__

Ardussi, John A. "A 17th Century Stone Inscription from Ura Village."

babylon. “Free Online Dictionary.” March, 2009, <[]> (October 2008).

“Chenrezig.” March, 2009, <[]> (23 December, 2000).

“DSCFO112.jpg.” March, 2009, <[]> (October 2008).

“DSCFO140.jpg.” March, 2009, <[]> (October 2008).

Haven, Dharma. “Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara: Embodiment of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism.” March, 2009, <[]> (25 November, 2000).

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Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling Trust. “Chenrezig.” March, 2009. <[]> (12 March, 2009).

Rinpoche, Khenchen Thrangu. "Medicine Buddha Teachings"