A Bodhisattva For The Times
When Are All The Hands?
One of the first stories I heard about Avalokiteshvara was about how they came to have a thousand arms and hands. The story goes that Avalokiteshvara wanted so badly to serve all beings—to respond to the suffering of the world—they either exploded or liquefied, depending on the source and translation. They were so overwhelmed with their longing and commitment, it was just too much for their body to contain.
Ancestors on the path to Collective Liberation
The 32 symbols
Learn more about the traditional and contemporary symbols Avalokiteshvara is holding and wearing.