Kham Region, Eastern Tibet
ca.19th century
Kham Region, Eastern Tibet
ca.19th century
This door probably stood at the entrance to a small shrine dedicated to Mahakala, a fierce protector deity popular in many Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Protector deities often have their own shrines. The door consists of two panels framed by a lintel and jamb with decorations typical of wooden portals to protector chapels. The lintel and jamb have multicolored and layered “checkered” carvings and images of vajras and skulls. The decoration on the panels depicts faces of Mahakala and offerings like barley cakes (torma). Such images served as offerings to the deity and indicated a restricted access to the chapel.
Buddhism teaches that all life is sacred and should be respected, as all sentient beings have the potential to attain enlightenment. This notion encourages a positive view and compassion for others.
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.
A kind of energy that can be used, individually and collectively, to effect change.
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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