Central Tibet
late 18th century
Central Tibet
late 18th century
In this painting of Vajrabhairava, colorful figures are placed against a black background with very few landscape features indicated. The composition is strictly symmetrical, as each figure has considerable space of its own. Slight overlaps nevertheless create a sense of dimensionality, and the undulating tails of clouds indicate movement. Rather than presenting a unified landscape that brings the figures together, here flowers, halos, clouds, and lotuses are used to separate the figures. Even the charming vignettes of cave hermitages at the sides of the painting are isolated elements within the composition.In the center of this painting are the three main meditation deities of the Geluk School, namely Vajrabhairava flanked by Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra (left) and Chakrasamvara (right). The latter two deities are represented at the height of the flames, and they appear to the monk and siddha in rock hermitages underneath them. At the top are four triads emphasizing different teachings of the Geluk tradition as interpreted by Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the founder of the tradition, seen at the center of the lower-center triad. Around the lotus of the main figure are three forms of Mahakala and Yama Dharmaraja, and underneath them are deities of wealth and protection.
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.
The end of this life marked by the cessation of bodily functions followed by decay. According to Buddhism, after death consciousness transitions to an intermediate state known as the bardo before embarking on another life.
A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.
Protectors of Buddhist teachings who destroy obstacles that impede the path to enlightenment. The more frightening and gruesome their appearance, the greater their power.
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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