The Tibetan form of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Chenrezig is viewed as the founding father of the Tibetan people, and has had several manifestations among them. The most famous are King Songtsen Gampo who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the seventh century, and the Dalai Lama. His female aspect is Tara. The mantra associated with him (om mane padme hum) was the first to enter Tibet.

A bodhisattva identified with compassion and especially revered in Tibet. His Indian name is Avalokiteshvara, and he is also identified with Kuan-Yin. "Om mani padme hung" is his sacred mantra, and the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation.

The Buddha of compassion. Chenrezig practice is the main practice of the Dalai Lama.

(Tib.): See AVALOKITESHVARA.

( Tib. / Skt. Avalokiteshvara): "loving eyes," the bodhisattva of compassion. One of the eight great bodhisattvas of Shakyamuni Buddha. Chenrezig, the patron deity of Tibet is the embodiment of the compassion of all the buddhas. Known as a yidam or deity practice, Chenrezig is a ritualized meditative technique designed to help the practitioner directly access the spiritual qualities symbolized by the deity. The methods of supportive imagery or visualization, mantra and wishing prayers are the means used to cultivate boundless compassion.