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AVALOKITESVARA, the Bodhisattva of Compassion - $300 (Cullowhee/Glenville/Cashiers)
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In Buddhist belief, a bodhisattva is a spiritually advanced being of deep realization on the very brink of attaining buddhahood who voluntarily postpones entering full awakening ('woke-ness') and enlightenment (nirvana), so they can stay engaged in the world of suffering, ignorance, and rebirth (samara) to assist all other sentient beings on their spiritual journeys to 'woke-ness' and liberation. Thus, a bodhisattva may delay his or her own personal release from samsara for eons and eons so that other beings may be freed first. This is the path of utter selflessness, unlimited compassion, and immense perseverance. To be clear, the revered teacher whom we call "the Buddha" was a bodhisattva before he became a Buddha and left this world to enter nirvana.
This statue is the classic "Lotus-Bearer" (Padmapani) representation of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Look carefully and you will see a miniature enthroned Buddha in the topknot of the hair; this is Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara's spiritual inspiration/parent/mentor.
The left hand holds a closed lotus, a symbol of purity and the potentiality for awakening. The right arm is extended downward with fingers forming the varada ("giving") mudra (gesture): palm open and facing forward, thumb lightly touching the middle finger. This gesture is symbolic of assistance and benefaction, of generosity and charity, of compassion and benevolence.
You may be surprised to note that this bodhisattva is rather elegantly garbed in flowing robes and sashes, and with jewelry in the hair and around the neck. Such adornments distinguish a bodhisattva from a fully awakened buddha who wears only severe monastic robes.
Behind the figure is a raised mandorla, that is, an almond-shaped halo representing the spiritual energy radiated from beings of advanced spirituality. The pierced, tear-drop shape probably marks this statue as Japanese manufacture.
The figure stands on a double lotus pedestal set on a hexagonal base. The lotus throne (padmasana) is generally reserved for buddhas and bodhisattvas. The additional base is an East Asian flourish.
The photos indicate that this statue comes in two pieces: the bodhisattva, and the base with mandorla. Together these pieces are seriously heavy; I even wonder if the figure piece is maybe almost completely solid cast.
How large it is: height approximately 24 inches!
One last amazing detail. Have you noticed it? The figure is bimetal or bicolor. Can you see how Avalokiesvara's exposed skin surfaces (face, chest, back, arms, feet), as well as some details of the mandorla and the lotus base, are silver colored, while the remainder of the figure as a warm golden hue. I'm not a metallurgist, so I can't explain the details of how this statue was made. Also, I have no idea of how old this statue is.
From the Bodhisattva Vow:
"Beings are numberless; I vow to save them all.
Desires are inexhaustible; I vow to put an end to them.
The Dharma is boundless; I vow to master it.
The Buddha Way is supreme; I vow to attain it."
TERMS OF SALE
Sale is 'CASH & CARRY,' that is, I accept only exact-amount greenback cash (and only twenties, because I've been ripped off before). For greater clarity: no checks of any kind, no wire transfers, no financing, no layaway/holding, and I have no facility to take credit/debit cards or to make change.
And you must come to my place and remove the statue from my home. You must also bring your own quilts, blankets, tarps, rachets, or whatever, to secure and protect the statue during transport.
The statue is sold "AS IS," and the sale is FINAL (no returns or refunds).
INSPECTION BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
To reach me, reply to this ad with (1) identification of the item you're interested in, (2) your questions, (3) a morning or an afternoon (weekday or weekend) when you would like to take a pleasant drive to my place to make an inspection and possibly conclude the sale, and (4) your name and telephone number so that we can continue by text exchange. I will not respond to messages that seem vague, automated, or otherwise suspicious. My place is located in the Cullowhee/Glenville/Cashiers area.
Someone is going to score a real deal! Don't hesitate.
To see more items from this seller, please click on the blue link at the top right of this posting, which link reads "more ads by this seller."