Which deities and figures exist in Tibetan Buddhism and what do they mean?
Tibetan Buddhism holds a rich and many-layered world of deities, bodhisattvas and protectors. At first glance this variety can seem overwhelming. Looking closer, one finds a coherent system in which each deity embodies a particular quality of the awakened mind and fulfils a specific function in practice.
Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom. He is depicted with a flaming sword that cuts through ignorance and a lotus flower on which the book of wisdom rests. Students, teachers and people seeking mental clarity often feel especially drawn to Manjushri.
Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, is the bodhisattva of compassion. He is regarded as the protective deity of Tibet and is venerated by the Dalai Lama as his personal deity. His best-known form has a thousand arms, a symbol of his capacity to help all beings at once. The mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is dedicated to his work.