Etymology (Avalokiteśvara)
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The name Avalokiteśvara is made of four parts: the verbal prefix ava, which means "down"; the verb lok, which means "to look"; the suffix ita, which changes the verb avalok into a noun, "one who looks down"; and finally ishvara īśvara, "lord" or "master". In
accordance with the sandhi rules of sound combination, ishvara becomes eshvara. Combined, the four parts mean "Lord Who Gazes Downward". The name emphasizes the bodhisattva's primary characteristic, compassion.