The+Statue+of+Amogha-pasa+Avalokiteshvara+Bodhisattva

[] On display in the Guanyin Ge (Pavilion) on Nanshan in Sanya, China

**Artwork Identification**

● **Title**: Jinyu Guanyin（金玉观音 "Gold and Jade Guanyin"; Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara ) **﻿**
 * **Artist(s):** Unknown
 * **Date:** 1997-2001
 * **Period:** 20th 90
 * **Country of Origin:** China
 * **Cultural/Ethnic Affiliation:** Chinese
 * **Medium:** Gold
 * **Dimensions:** H. 12ft 5in (3.8 m)
 * **Museum/Collection:** Sanya nanshan Guanyin ge三亚南山观音阁（Guanyin Temple of South Mountain in Sanya, Hainan Island, China）
 * **Accession Number:** Unknown
 * **Current Location and Manner of Display:** Sanya
 * **Provenance: (the history of ownership if known):**Unknown

**Introduction**

This image is a modern three diemsnional rendition of Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara, which is one of the popular forms of Avalokitesvara, but less frequently depicted in pre-modern China. His full name in Chinese is Bukongjuansuo Guanyin(不空绢索观音), also known as Bukong Wang Guan Yin（不空王观音), Bukong Guangdamingwang Guanyin (不空广大明王观音), and Bukong Xidiwang Guanyin（不空悉地王观音) in China. From around the latter part of the eighth century, Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara has received widespread worship in India, the Himalayas, East and Southeast Asia (cite reference source, IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST BELOW).The symbol of Amoghapasa is the "unfailing rope" in his hand. He uses this rope to unfailingly catch and save sentient beings out of compassion. This is also the meaning of his name in Chinese. According to Dorothy C. Wong, the earliest Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara statue in Japan was found in FukLlkenjaku Kannon in the Sangatsuda三月堂 (Hall of the Third month) of Tadaiji 東大寺,. dating to around 748 A.D. with a height of 9ft 10in (about 3 meters)--cite reference. Some archaeologists believe that this Bodhisattva statue was probably one of the largest Bodhisattva statues created in Japan up until that time. On the other hand, in China, the only known example of the representations of Amoghapasa comes from Maogao Cave in Dunhuang (cite source-some are found elsehwere such as in Sichuan). In the caves of Dunhuang there are several murals depicting the benefits of worshiping this form of the Bodhisattva, but there are no three dimensional statues. Therefore, there are currently no extant Amoghapasa repesentations dating to the late seventh centuries from China--what you just said there are painted ones??.

**Descriptive Analysis**

Jinyu Guanyin statue is based on the description of Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara in Bukongjuansuo shenbian zhenyanjing 不空绢索神变真经 (translated in 707-709 by Bodhiruci, in 30juan)--cite source/online versions of the text are available through CBETA. Looking at the gracefully slender figure from the back, this statue represents the appearance of Amoghapasa vividly, and we can find that there are some Indian elements have been incorporated into this statue, such as the India style skirt which leaves the upper torso bare. The two purls beside the statue, however, look more like Chinese traditional ornaments. Five of his eight hands hold different attributes and the other three hands form symbolic gestures. This statue is 12ft 5in (3.8 m) high, it is composed of the gilded body of Guanyin. The halo symbolizes thousands of lotus leaves (a part of the halo, right behind the head of the statue), and a sandalwood cushion (made of jade). The sculpture uses a total of over 100 kilograms of gold, 400 South Africa diamonds, more than 100 kilograms of jade, sapphires, emeralds, coral, turquoise, pearl and other thousands of tablets of rare treasures. The total value is estimated 192 million yuan. • June 28, 1997 in Shenzhen Jinyu Guan Yin statue completed. • July 7, 1997 Tashi Dorje多吉扎西, the Tibetan living Buddha install two Buddhist relics into the Jinyu Guanyin statue, one is from Sakyamuni and the other is from an ancient Tibetan monk. • July 15, 1997 The master monk Shibenran 释本焕 of the Hongfasi 弘法寺 temple opened the light for the statue. • Lunar New Year 19 September 1998 Jinyu Guanyin statue enshrined forever in Sanya Nanshan Guanyin Temple. • 1999 Jinyu Guan Yin went down in Guinness Book of World Records. • December 3, 2001 138 Buddhist relics were found in Jinyu Guanyin.

--Provide the source of your information

Formal Analysis
Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara is much more than a highly expensive and beautiful statue made of gold and diamonds. This sculpture contains symbolism that dates back to the pre-modern iconography of Avalokitesvara (reference: for a study of this bodhisattva's iconography see...). A feature that stands out right away is Amoghapasa's eight arms. This style of representing beings with numerous arms is greatly impacted by the Hindu religion (explain-). Having many arms represents Amoghapasa's courage and his fearless attitude, much like a superhero. Looking at her (Amogapasa is male--females in China are usually not shown with bare torsos, no??) hands, one can see that she is holding objects that reflect an evident Buddhist relation. Looking at Amoghapasa's lowest right hand, you can observe that her hand is left open, palm facing outwards. This gesture is known as the "boon granting gesture." This gesture symbolizes Amoghapasa's generosity, interest in charity and her ability to fulfill wishes. The highest held hand on the right side of Amoghapasa, is a noose. The noose represents that she has the skills necessary to persuade ignorant minds to pursue enlightenment. This noose is also known by the name, "unfailing rope." If looking toward the left of Amoghapasa, one can observe the bow and arrow she is holding in her middle hand. The bow and arrow are held together and are undrawn. This represents Amoghapasa's concentration, confidence, wisdom and method. Amoghapasa is holding a white lotus in her upper left hand. The white lotus represents the "enlightened wisdom" that allows her to recognize all beings and treat them with compassion. In Amoghapasa's right middle hand, she is holding a vajra. The vajra is a very popular symbol found in Buddhism. It represents an indestructible weapon. This weapon, shaped to resemble a thunderbolt, portrays the strength of Buddhism. The vajra is often described to have the hardness of a diamond, such that it cannot be broken. The last object that she is holding is a kundika, in her lowest left hand. The kundika is known to hold "the water of life". It was often used in Buddhist ceremonies to purify. Amoghapasa is usually seen holding the kundika in many different artworks and sculptures. Now, looking at Amoghapasa's two hands held in front of her body, one can notice the vitarka and varada mudras. The vitarka mudra is the right hand, held highest. This gesture represents debate and discussion, often used when discussing Buddhist teachings. The varada mudra is the left hand, held lowest. This is the same as the "boon granting gesture" stated above. It is commonly also known as the gesture of charity. Apart from what is found in Amoghapasa's hands, there is also symbolism in Amoghapasa's crown. If looking closely, Buddha is shown sitting in the center, representing that she is a Bodhisattva. It is truly remarkable how much meaning can be found within one statue.

Personal Interpretation
When viewing this statue, it is impossible to not think about the amount of time, money and effort that went into creating it. It is very meticulously crafted and made of some of the most expensive material money can buy. But I also cannot help but think of the irony in the fact that all this excess is not in line with Buddhist teachings. Especially when it comes to the South Africa diamonds. Because Diamonds are from South Africa does not guarantee that they are from areas where the diamond industry is ethical. When I think that this statue may be connected the more unethical side of the diamond trade it makes me think that the creator may have not made it with true Buddhist values at heart. Nevertheless, it is a very beautiful piece and there is no doubt an enormous amount of work was put into it by its creator. Perhaps thinking about the location of the image inside a Chinese government sanctioned " Buddhist tourist zone" will give you insight on this question?


 * Reference (the references are suppose to be annotated and cited in the entry!!!) **

Jia, Lin.//西藏佛像集萃（The Collection of Buddist Statues in Tibet）//Sichuan,China:Sichuan Art Press,2005 --You did not cite this source.
 * // printed sources //**

Li, Liing.//藏密观音造像 （The Avalokitesvara Status in Tibet Style）//Guangdong,China: Buddist culture Press,2001 --You did not cite this source.

Donaldson, Thomas. Iconography of the Buddhist Sculpture of Orissa. Abhinav Publications, 2001. --You did not cite this source. What's the connection to the image?

Thurman, Robert A. F. Inside Tibetan Buddhism: Rituals and Symbols Revealed. Collins Publishers San Fransisco, 1995. --You did not cite this source.

You don't have any sources about Chinese Buddhist art. What about the articles I sent you???

//** online sources **// Chinese Buddist Culture:Holy Water Temple. " 不空绢索观世音圣像(Jinyu Guan Yin)." 1 June,2006 <[]>

Sanya Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Tourism Zone. 

Buddhist Symbols. 

Kundika.  <http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/23.115>