Mindroling monastery, Tsang Province, Central Tibet
early 18th century
The hands form the shape of a wheel, symbolizing the “turning of the wheel of dharma,” a reference to teaching the Buddha’s doctrine.
Mindroling monastery, Tsang Province, Central Tibet
early 18th century
This is an engaging portrait of Terdak Lingpa Gyurme Dorje (1646–1714), the founder of Mindroling Monastery, which came to be regarded as the chief monastery of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Terdak Lingpa wears the robes of a lay practitioner and holds a square casket, a symbol of his role as a revealer of hidden teachings (terma). Several schools of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Nyingma, believe that the founding saint of Buddhism in Tibet, Padmasambhava, hid important teachings in the eighth century to be discovered at auspicious times in the future. These teachings, referred to as treasures, were predicted to be found by skilled practitioners called treasure revealers (terton), who could interpret and share the encoded meaning. Depicted at the lower right is Terdak Lingpa’s son, Pema Gyurme Gyatso (1686–1718), who succeeded him as abbot of Mindroling Monastery. He holds a writing tablet. At the lower left is Terdak Lingpa’s younger brother, the scholar Lochen Dharmashri (1654–1717/18), holding a stylus and text. This colorful painting contrasts nicely with its yellow brocade border featuring dragons. The back of the painting includes two handprints set on lotus blossoms along with a long poem (above) composed by Terdak Lingpa. Both the brother and son were murdered by the Dzungar Mongols during a period of political turmoil, suggesting an early eighteenth-century dating for the painting.
The hands form the shape of a wheel, symbolizing the “turning of the wheel of dharma,” a reference to teaching the Buddha’s doctrine.
A bell is often paired with the vajra and is another implement used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes wisdom, the feminine aspect of enlightenment, and its ring is said to be the sound of emptiness.
A vajra is a ritual scepter used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes method, the male aspect of enlightenment.
A skull cup is an attribute of tantric deities and is usually paired with a curved knife. It can symbolize a mind filled with the bliss of realizing the true nature of reality.
Teachings and precepts that offer practical and experiential guidance. In Buddhism instruction is primarily an oral tradition and is often targeted to the specific needs or disposition of a student or disciple.
A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
Himalayan art includes portraits of legendary and historical humans, including accomplished religious teachers (lamas), the Buddha’s original disciples (arhats), and spiritually accomplished tantric masters (mahasiddhas).
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
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