Avalokitesvara carved in Obsidian (119637)

According to Mahayana doctrine, Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan) is the bodhisattva who has made a great vow to assist sentient beings in times of difficulty, and to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has assisted every sentient being in achieving Nirvana. Mahayana Buddhism relates Avalokiteshvara to the six-syllable mantra: om mani padme hum

Carved from Obsidian - measures 5" x 3.5"

Obsidian is usually a black colour although some brown and redness can occur if hematite is present. It is a volcanic glass which forms when molten lava cools quickly. Its name was given after its discoverer Obsius in Ethiopia. Over thousands of years this little gem has been used for tool making, weapons and jewellery and is now used by surgeons. Well-crafted obsidian blades have a cutting edge much sharper than steel surgical scapels. As a stone in healing it has the capacity to cut through negativity, instiling a sense of confidence and warriorship.