Chapter 25 of a Mahayana text describes 33 manifestations of this figure, who vows to aid every sentient being.
As recently as the late imperial period, an 18-armed form of this figure known as Cundi ["tsun-di"] was popular among various esoteric-practicing communities in China. Adherents of the Tiantai school identify six different forms of this figure, each corresponding to a realm of existence, including pretas, asuras, and devas. In Tibet, this figure is believed to have been a co-disciple of Vajrapani, and has seven forms, including one with eleven faces and another with the head of a horse. Chapter 25 of a Mahayana text describes 33 manifestations of this figure, who vows to aid every sentient being. In China, this figure possesses a thousand arms and is venerated as the lord of the world known as Guanyin. The mantra "om mani padme hum," which roughly translates to "purifying jewel in the lotus," is associated with the four- armed version of this figure who is alternately known as the "lotus holder." For 10 points, name this bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.
As recently as the late imperial period, an 18-armed form of this figure known as Cundi ["tsun-di"] was popular among various esoteric-practicing communities in China.
Avalokiteshvara [accept Padmapani; accept Guanyin or Natha or Lokanat or Cundi before those names are read]