Chenrezig, He Who Looks With Unwavering Eye, is the embodiment of pure and everlasting compassion.  He gazes upon the beings in all realms with the heartfelt aspiration that every one be separated from whatever mental or physical suffering they may be experiencing.  Chenrezig's first pair of hands are at his heart holding a precious jewel capable of fulfilling the wishes of every living being.  His other right hand holds a crystal rosary symbolizing the supreme method and ability to liberate all beings.  The utpala, or lotus, flower represents stainless and compassionate bodhicitta motivation.  The flower in full bloom with two buds symbolizes the Buddha's qualities encompassing the past, present, and future.

All the successive Dalai Lamas are human manifestations of this compassionate being.  [See also the meaning of Chenrezig's mantra "OM MANI PADME HUM" which is a prayer for the beings in all realms of existence.]