Expert: Alex Wilding - 12/29/2010

Question
Hello! I am a Mahayana Buddhist wondering if Avalokiteśvara exists in the deva domains, or if he simply exists outside of the traditional five- or six- path model of rebirth. I'm not sure if you have knowledge outside of Tibetan Buddhism, but I'm told that it's very similar to Mahayana Buddhism, so I'd be grateful if you gave an answer. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tony,
It would, of course, be a mistake to think that every text that refers to or describes Avalokitesvara is consistent with every other text. However, as a general rule, your second guess would be the correct one. As an extremely advanced bodhisattva he is not bound to be reborn any of the five or six (usually counted as six in Tibetan Buddhism) worlds. But he has not passed into nirvana, certainly not into the kind of passive nirvana where manifestation ceases. He is, so to speak, "on the edge" of samsara, not bound to it, but not disappeared from it.
If you look at those Tibetan illustrations of the "wheel of rebirth", with their six segments, you will usually see a Buddha or bodhisattva in each segment. These are generally said to be manifestations of Avalokitesvara, showing the way out of each segment.
I hope that helps
All the best
Alex Wilding