Padmasambhava, an Indian teacher said to have been miraculously born inside of a lotus flower—hence his name, which means “lotus-born”—is revered by all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is credited with taming the forces adverse to Buddhism in Tibet, including many indigenous gods that he transformed into Buddhist protectors. He is considered one of the founders of Buddhism in Tibet, along with the monastic Shantarakshita and the king Trisong Detsen, and is sometimes revered as the Second Buddha. In his most common representation he can easily be recognized by his peculiar hat and elaborate dress, which combines secular, Tantric, and monastic elements (boots, long sleeves, and outer robe).This marvelous silver sculpture is rich in detail. From the felt collar of the innermost vest to the pointed cape visible only on the right shoulder to the wide flaring sleeves, each element has been finely and thoughtfully executed. Other particularly refined details include the necklace on top of the clothing and the knot-shaped braids on the shoulders. A light sway in the body adds a sense of immediacy to the image, and the inlays, paint, and golden base enliven it. As such this is an example of Tibetan metal craftsmanship at its best.

Artwork Details

Title
Padmasambhava
Dimensions
6 1/2 × 4 3/4 × 3 3/4 in.
Medium
Silver and gilt copper alloy with inlays of turquoise and coral
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
ritual objects
Date
15th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2005.16.36
HAR Number
65459
Published references
* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014. Pp. 138-139.* "Wizard. Tantric Master. Guru." Spiral, March (2018): 6.

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Lineage

Concepts

The transmission of teachings from one generation to the next, from teacher to student, traced all the way back to the Buddha without interruption. A complete lineage is essential in Tantric Buddhist practices as it makes the blessings of the teaching more powerful.

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Tantrism

Concepts

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. 

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Devotion

Concepts

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.

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Legendary and Historical Humans

Figure Type

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).

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Tibetan Regions

Region

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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