Tibet
18th century
Tibet
18th century
This painting illustrates the life story of Tsongkapa in a different manner. The main subject is shown in the left part of the painting, not the center. Numerous inscribed scenes are scattered within a unifying landscape but separated by clouds, trees, mountains, or valleys. The pictorial narrative closely follows known biographies of Tsongkapa and shows recorded events and places, often recognizable through their architecture, Tsongkapa’s visionary experiences at the sites, or straightforward illustrations of the events. The painting was part of a set of paintings that narrated his life’s achievements.The largest event shown on the left is the dream Tsongkapa had while in retreat. He saw great Indian scholars, one of them, Buddhapalita (470-540 CE), blessed him with an Indian volume, thus confirming that Tsongkapa’s philosophical understanding was correct. He traveled widely, studied, taught, and wrote his famous treatise The Great Presentation on the Graduate Stages of the Path. Among his other main acts was the establishment of the Great Prayer Festival at Jokhang, the main cathedral of Lhasa, when he made an offering of a gold crown to the main image of Buddha Shakyamuni.
A vehicle for the preservation and transmission of knowledge. The Buddha’s teachings were originally passed down through oral transmission and storytelling, and stories of the Buddha’s past lives are considered an important source of inspiration and guidance.
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.
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.
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.
February 15–July 27, 2025Utah Museum of Fine Arts
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
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