Avalokitesvara from Silla period, South Korea

Granite: relief on the back wall of the Seokguram Grotto (Cave Temple) in Kyeongju, South Korea. Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. This bodhisattva is variably depicted, described and portrayed in different cultures as either male or female. From the time of Silla Dynasty (57 BCE - 935 AD). he Seokguram grotto is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage and as the Korean National Treasure number 24. The Seokguram Grotto was initiated in 751 by King Kyeongdeok of Silla and completed by his son in 774 by King Hyegong of Silla. The Grotto was built to illustrate the moment when Sakyamuni achieved the Enlightenment. Sculpture from the time of Unified Silla (668 - 935)

Achieved Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Buddha Buddhas Buddhism Buddhist Compassion Described Either Embodies Enlightenment Granite Grotto Hyegong Illustrate Initiated Kyeongdeok Kyeongju Portrayed Registered Sakyamuni Seok-gu-ram Seokguram Silla Unified

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