Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is one of the more widely revered bodhisattvas in mainstream Mahayana Buddhism. In China and its sphere of cultural influence, Avalokitesvara is often depicted in a female form known as Guan Yin. Avalokitesvara is also referred to as Padmapani ('Holder of the Lotus') or Lokesvara ('Lord of the World'). In Tibetan, Avalokitesvara is known as Chenrezig, and is said to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa and other high Lamas. In Mongolia, he is called Megjid Janraisig, Xongsim Bodisadv-a, or Nidüber Üjegci.
Guanyin (Guanshi'yin, Kuan-yin, Kuan-shih Yin) is the bodhisattva of compassion for East Asian Buddhists, also known as the Chinese Bodhisattva of Compassion, and usually in female form. It is believed that Guanyin originated as the Sanskrit Avalokitesvara, her male form. Commonly known in the West as the Goddess of Mercy, she is also revered by Chinese Taoists as an Immortal. Although Guanyin's origin is still debated among scholars, the official Buddhist view is that she originated with the male Avalokiteshvara. It is said that Chinese fishermen used to pray to her to ensure safe voyages.
Cold Cast is a modern method of casting sculptures using a mixture of resin and powdered polymer materials. The finished sculpture has a surface which looks very similar to traditionally cast material, but tends to be much lighter.
