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
Atisha was one of the most famous Indian teachers. He was invited to teach by religious kings of Western Tibet. This sculpture depicts him wearing a hat of a scholar (pandita’s hat), his usual attribute. His robes do not appear to be that of an Indian monk – the collared vest is a standard part of Tibetan monks’ robes. Atisha’s posture has a barely noticeable relaxed lean to the right with his head slightly raised. The expression on his face, painted in golden pigment, is thoughtful, gazing forward, apt for a teacher giving a discourse, as indicated by his hands held in a teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra).This example of Tibetan wooden sculpture was made with a combined method of solid wood carving and composite construction similar to its pair, the sculpture of Dromtonpa. Both have the same size and painted decoration and 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.
Also known as vajra position, this posture is associated with meditation.
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.
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.
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