Tibetan Buddhist beliefs concerning Chenrezig
Avalokiteśvara (known as Chenrezig in Tibetan language Tibetan) is an important deity in Tibetan Buddhism, and is perhaps regarded as higher than a bodhisattva, specifically as a Buddha. The Dalai Lama is considered by the Gelugpa sect and many other Tibetan Buddhists to be the primary earthly manifestation of Chenrezig. Other manifestations popular in Tibet include Sahasra-bhuja (a form with a thousand arms) and Ekādaśamukha (a form with eleven faces). In Tibetan Buddhism, Tara (Devi) White Tara acts as the dakini consort and energizer of Avalokiteśvara/Chenrezig. According to popular belief, Tara came into existence from a single tear shed by Chenrezig. When the tear fell to the ground it created a lake, and a lotus opening in the lake revealed Tara. In another version, Tara emerges from the heart of Chenrezig. In either version it is Chenrezig's outpouring of compassion which manifests Tara as a being.
