Western Tibet
15th century
Western Tibet
15th century
This small, personal icon of the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara is an example of Kashmiri-style painting in Tibet. Features such as the deity’s elongated eyes; small, defined chin; and narrow waist with a fleshy abdomen punctuated by a diamond-shaped navel, can be seen in Kashmiri painting and sculpture.The clothing of the patrons in the bottom-right corner, with distinctive striped pants and a white cape, help identify this painting as being from western Tibet.
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 cultivation of a strong aspiration to help sentient beings overcome suffering. In Buddhist Mahayana teaching, compassion is the seed for attaining full enlightenment.
Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.
Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.
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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