Tibet
ca. 18th-19th century
The hands form the shape of a wheel, symbolizing the “turning of the wheel of dharma,” a reference to teaching the Buddha’s doctrine.
Tibet
ca. 18th-19th century
Dromton was a principle disciple of an Indian teacher Atisha (982 – 1054) who visited Tibet and was one of the most revered Indian masters at the time. Dromton was a lay person and the sculpture shows him in a lay person’s attire. The robes are decorated with stylized but detailed flower patterns painted in gold that give his inner robe and the outer shawl rich luxurious appearances. Dromton’s long hair is painted blue and cascades down his back and over his shoulders in three hefty tresses. His hands, appropriate for a teacher giving a discourse, are held in a teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra). This sculpture and its pair, a sculpture of Atisha, are made with a combined method of solid wood carving and composite construction of the lower part of the lotus base. These two objects, having the same size, carving technique, and painted decoration of their surfaces, were probably part of a larger set that represented the teachers of the Gelug tradition.
The hands form the shape of a wheel, symbolizing the “turning of the wheel of dharma,” a reference to teaching the Buddha’s doctrine.
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.