This finely carved arched stele
depicts the
Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in four-
armed
form. The arch pays homage to the
shape of a
stupa, identifying itself as a
sanctuary of a
holy figure or relic. The wavy pattern
on the
edge of the stele is a pearl-and-flame
aureole,
testifying to the great power of the
bodhisattva. Seated upon a lotus
pedestal in
relaxed posture, Avalokistevara wears
a
princely jewelled outfit, which is the
traditional
way to depict a bodhisattva. An
elaborate
crown and headdress, lotus earrings,
armbands, wristbands, and keyura all
symbolise the bodhisattva’s
transcendent
nature and spiritual advancement. He
holds a
lotus flower by its stem in each of
his upper
hands, while his lower left arm hugs a
jar of
lotus blossom, and his lower right
holds
abhaya (fear-not) mudra.
- (CB.3403)
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