The Chow Rinpoche, or Chow  Shakyamuni, is a revered, gilt-metal statue of Buddha Shakyamuni housed in the Chowkhang temple of the Rasa Trulnang Tsuglak-khang, in Lhasa, Tibet. It is considered the most sacred Buddha image in Tibet. The statue was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng of Tang China and is a large 7th-century statue of Gautama Buddha made in Tang China.

According to Tibetan legend, the Chow Rinpoche was created by the divine craftsman Vishvakarma at the request of Buddha Shakyamuni. The statue was eventually given to the king of Magadha, who then gave it to a Tang emperor of China. Princess Wencheng brought it to Lhasa as part of her dowry when she married the 33rd Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.

The Chow Shakyamuni is considered the most sacred and important Buddha image in Tibet. It is believed to have been carved by the celestial architect Viswakarma in India during the Buddha's lifetime. The statue is a source of profound blessings and a symbol of Buddhist compassion.

The Chow Shakyamuni is a larger-than-life-size image of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. It is made of gilt metal and adorned with precious stones. The statue is seated in the lotus position (padmasana) with its left hand in the mudra of meditation (dhyana mudra) and its right hand in the gesture of "calling the earth to witness" (bhumisparsha mudra).

The Chow  Shakyamuni is believed to have been made in the early to mid-seventh century CE. While its exact date is uncertain, it is considered one of the most important and sacred Buddha images in Tibet.

The Chow Shakyamuni holds significant cultural and religious importance in Tibet. It is a symbol of Buddhist compassion and a source of profound blessings. The statue's continued veneration and restoration are a testament to its importance in Tibetan culture.

The Chow Shakyamuni Rinpoche is a revered and sacred Buddha image in Tibet. Its history, significance, and cultural importance make it a unique and fascinating piece of Tibetan art and culture.