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Padmapani 20"x34" plus brocade frame 51x87 cm plus brocade
frame Among the many forms of
Avalokiteshvara, this two-armed, single-faced form called Padmapani is
probably the oldest. Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of all the
buddhas’ infinite compassion. During the Buddha
Shakyamuni’s life, he manifested as one of the
Buddha’s major boddhisattva disciples and played an important
role in many of the Buddha’s discourses, including the Heart
Sutra in which he explains how a bodhisattva gains direct insight into
the ultimate nature of reality. Avalokiteshvara in the form of
Padmapani is often seen in thangkas of Buddha Shakyamuni, flanking the
Buddha’s throne opposite another boddhisattva, either
Manjushri or Vajrapani. This figure is also often depicted in
sculptures. Rarely is it seen alone in a thangka like this one. Padmapani means lotus-in-hand, and his left hand holds the stalk of the lotus. The right hand, opening outward, is lowered in a gesture of granting favors, which also indicates his readiness to help. Draped over his left shoulder is the skin of a wild deer renowned for its compassionate nature.
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