Gyelrong, Eastern Tibet
19th century
Also known as vajra position, this posture is associated with meditation.
Gyelrong, Eastern Tibet
19th century
Sanggye Lingpa represents the syncretic New Bon movement that sought to integrate Bon, Tibet’s indigenous religion, and Buddhism. He wears a yellow hat that includes important symbols of both traditions: a yungdrung, the representative symbol of Bon, emblazoned on the front and a Tibetan Buddhist vajra on the top. While many of the surrounding deities are specifically affiliated with Bon, some are present in Buddhist traditions as well. For instance, Kuntu Zangpo at the top center is integral to Bon, while Purpa Drukse Chempa, depicted directly above Sanggye Lingpa, is central to Nyingma practices of Tibetan Buddhism.The distinctive palette—deep, blue-purple hues against a gray-blue background accented with subtle pink elements—is found in paintings from the northeastern Tibetan region of Amdo. The Bon religion flourished in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in southern Amdo and neighboring northern Kham Province. The two disciples who flank the central figure provide an even more specific geographic context for this painting. They are both closely associated with the Gyelrong region, an important Bon cultural center on the eastern border of Amdo and Kham.
Also known as vajra position, this posture is associated with meditation.
In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.
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.
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.
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.
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.