The Thousand arms images of Bodhisattava Guanyin from Bút Tháp Temple: The great Bodhisattava of mercies in Viet arts.

Abstract

This article is focused on the study of
iconography and Arts of Bodhisattava Guanyin image at
Bút Tháp Temple, Vietnam. The image has reflected the
value in both art and philosophy related to the grand
miracle character of Mahayana Bodhisattava.
According to the comparative study, though the
Avalokitesvara Boddhisattava has been commonly
worshiped in India, the female form of Avalokitesvara
known as Guanyin is only seen in Chinese arts. In
Chinese culture, Gaunyin is the symbol of mercies and
also known as the Goddess who devoted herself for
helping worshipers. Her infinite kindness is obviously
performed by showing thousand arms that meant to lift
whoever drown in the ocean of suffers. Thus, the
thousand arms Gaunyin is well worshiped in China and
far beyond to distant area where Chinese culture has
been reached. The thousand arms Guanyin at Bút Tháp
Temple is an example of Viet Buddhist sculptures
reflecting the strong influence of Chinese art and
philosophy during 16th-17th century A.D.