Sadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and Monks

Sadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and Monks

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This painting represents the “six-syllables form” of Avalokiteshvara, evoking the mantra om mani padme hum. As expounded by the fourteenth Dalai Lama, om denotes the impurities that impede spiritual awareness; mani (jewel) symbolizes the pathway lit by compassion; padme (lotus) defines the tool, wisdom; and hum the indivisible union of wisdom and method—so achieving the purity of body, speech, and mind of Buddhahood. This fundamental teaching is given expression in the purity of this representation of the highest embodiment of compassion. The Dalai Lama is understood to be an incarnation of this form of Avalokiteshvara. Conventionally represented in white, Sadaksari-Lokeshvara is gold here, the most radiant of colors. Surrounding him are bodhisattvas, an array of protectors, and a lineage of monks.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and MonksSadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and MonksSadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and MonksSadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and MonksSadaksari-Lokeshvara Surrounded by Manifestations and Monks

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.