Guru Rinpoche Thangka

The Divine Lotus Assembly Thangka is a magnificent work of art from the Nepalese Buddhist tradition and is focused around Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the great deity found in the Brahma Samaja assembly, sitting on a richly decorated lotus seat, dressed in golden robes on ribbons with a special hat while holding objects of ritual significance, which signify his function as a deity introducing Tantric Buddhism to Nepal. Surrounding him are six hallowed deities on their lotus thrones: Amitabha Buddha with a red color (top left corner) symbolizing infinite compassion; Akshobhya Buddha (top center) in blue, signifying immovability; Vairocana Buddha (top right), in white, signifying enlightenment; Yeshe Tsogyal and Mandarava, who are the attending with marker offerings (middle left and right). Manjushri (bottom left, holding a book for wisdom) and Green Tara (bottom right, with a protective gesture). All of these deities set against a lush backdrop of mountains and clouds, this thangka was created for empowerment purposes-the nature of which is rarely delineated.

Often, such thangkas are talked about in connection to meditation, but using them in monastic debate or as genealogies is ignored. This somehow inspires features such as a rotatory stand focusing so much on each deity or a beautifully detailed booklet with their mantras and histories, increasing the spiritual and educational value. Great in sacred spaces or collections.