[Buddha-l] Avalokiteshvara and Shiva, some primary references

[Michael Essex]

Regarding the similarity between Avalokiteshvara and Shiva, I noticed
this in _Taranatha's Life of KRSNaacaarya/KaaNha_, Translated by David
Templeton, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, 1989 p. 33

...it is said that because of his fear of the King's wrath, the
minister Kushalanaatha erected the Avalokiteshvara so that it
resembled IIshvara....Those who saw it at the time saw it as
Haalahaala in the one-faced, four armed form and right from the start
it appeared similar to the tranquil form of Maheshvara, and yet not
deliberately made to resemble a Tirthika god.

and
endnote 110. (p. 124)
this is a clear example of the skill in means of Avalokiteshvara who
adapts to any form in order to preach. "and what is the range of the
skillfulness of the Bodhisattva Mahaasattva Avalokiteshvara... to
those who are to be converted by Maheshvara, he preaches assuming the
shape of Maheshvara." Saddharma-PuNDarika, Trans. Kern, H. p411

Mike Essex