Central Tibet
late 17th century
The right hand is extended in a giving gesture.
Central Tibet
late 17th century
The physician Yutok Yonten Gonpo (1126–1202) is a founding figure of Tibetan medical practice and is the main author of an important medical text. His youthful, cleanly shaved face; unusual lotus crown; and other symbolic attributes, including the sword and book over his right shoulder representing knowledge and the vase filled with a triple jewel over his left shoulder symbolizing long life and abundance, mark the outstanding qualities of this lay practitioner.Red background paintings such as this are commonly associated with Buddha Amitabha and his lotus family, which includes Padmasambhava, whose teachings form the basis for the medical tradition depicted by this painting. Here the selective use of color—green for trees, rocks, and foliage; pink for myrobalan fruits; and gray for clouds—gives the otherwise abstract palette a naturalistic touch.
The right hand is extended in a giving gesture.
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.
While the primary religious goal for followers of Buddhism is enlightenment, many of the practices also serve secular goals related to daily life, including ethical conduct and cultivating well-being.
The passing down of authentic Buddhist teachings from a teacher to a disciple or student, often in the form of a text in a ritualistic context.
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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