Who is Chenrezig?

Chenrezig Kadampa Buddhist Centre was given it's name by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the Spiritual Director of the Centre.

Buddha Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara in sanskrit), the Compassion Buddha, is the embodiment of the universal compassion of all enlightened beings. By relying upon him, we naturally increase our own compassion.

His first two hands hold a jewel, symbolizing his own enlightenment; his second left hand holds a white lotus flower, symbolizing his complete purity of body, speech, and mind; and his second right hand holds a crystal mala, symbolizing that he can free all living beings from samsara.