Item: Avalokiteshvara (Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity) - Khasarpani (Sky Flier)

Avalokiteshvara, Khasarpani (Tibetan: Pagpa Chenrezig, 'phags pa spyan ras g.zigs). This form of the deity is often confused with the female deity Tara that is depicted in a similar appearance. For this sculpture note the lack of breasts and the hairline on the forehead is horizontal rather than oval shaped which is typical of this time period for female depictions. The sculpture is of a male figure and the general posture and ornaments is in keeping for Khasarpani.

This iconographic form of Avalokiteshvara is identical to the central figure of the Five Deity Amoghapasha (mandala).

Made famous in the Sutras as a bodhisattva, an aspirant to enlightenment, in the Vajrayana system of Northern Buddhism - in the Tantra texts - he is acknowledged as a fully enlightened Buddha manifesting in a vast array of meditational forms for the benefit of all living beings.

Avalokiteshvara is the patron bodhisattva of Tibet and is included in all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. There are numerous New (Sarma) lineages and varying forms of practice that span all four tantric classifications as well as uncounted old oral traditions (Kama) and Treasure (Terma) traditions from the Nyingmapa School. [Further description and bibliography].

Jeff Watt 2-2011

Thematic Sets
Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara Main Page
Subject: Male Imagery Introduction
Sculpture: Introduction Page
Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara, Khasarpana (Masterworks)
Collection of WGA
Subject: Artist Index
Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara, Khasarpana (Khasarpani)
Collection: Asia Week New York, March 2017 - Highlights
Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara (Common Names)
Artist: Sonam Gyaltsen & Atelier (Sculpture)
Artist: Sonam Gyaltsen & Atelier (Peaceful Figures)
Artist: Sonam Gyaltsen & Atelier (Iconographic Subjects)
Subject: Masterworks (Sculpture, 雕塑)
Sculpture: Sonam Gyaltsen & Atelier (Gilded Masterworks)
Buddhist Deity: Avalokiteshvara Videos
Glossary: Avalokiteshvara, Technical Glossary