Artwork Details

Title
Avalokiteshvara in his Potala Pure Realm
Dimensions
36 7/8 x 28 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (93.7 x 72.1 x 5.7 cm)
Medium
Pigments on cloth
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
mixed media
Date
19th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, gift of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation
Object number
F1997.4.1
HAR Number
80
Published references
* Glenn H. Mullin. Buddha in Paradise: A Celebration in Himalayan Art. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2007). Fig. 29; Pp. 68-69.* Lee, Risha. "Listening and Liberation: The World Is Sound. " Spiral, June (2017): 21.

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Visualization

Concepts

A meditation technique primarily used in tantric practice that involves imagining a deity in one’s mind or imagining oneself becoming a deity and carrying out various activities. Such techniques are intended to help a practitioner transform ordinary perception and achieve enlightened qualities.

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Liberation

Concepts

The central goal of Buddhism is the liberation of all beings from suffering and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, known as samsara, through applying the teachings of the Buddha.

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Devotion

Concepts

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.

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Bodhisattvas

Figure Type

Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.

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Tibetan Regions

Region

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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