Primordial Buddha Vajradhara with Teachers of the Kagyü Lineage
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Wall object 11
ABP 005
Code: ABP 005
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1300 - 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 34.5 x 41
Materials: Gouache on cotton
Primordial Buddha Vajradhara with teachers of the Kagyü School
The primordial Buddha sits legs crossed in meditation on a throne supported by snow lions. Of dark blue complexion, he is adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestation. His two hands holds the vajra and the bell crossed before his chest in his signature mudra, symbolising the union of skilful means and wisdom indispensable to achieve Buddhahood.
Around Vajradhara are the Kagyü lineage masters: bodhisattvas and Indian mahasiddhas in the top row, and Tibetan masters on the sides. Finally, two protectors stand fiercely directly beneath him. Although no names are mentioned on the painting, masters of the Karma Kagyü lineage can be recognised thanks to their specific hats.
As the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara, the “Vajra Holder,” is the original expression of the awakened mind. He is the unique manifestation and source of the five Buddha families who are his emanations. He is considered as the primordial Buddha among the later schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Kagyü and Geluk) whereas the Nyingma school of ancient translations considers Samantabhadra as its primordial Buddha.
The primordial Buddha sits legs crossed in meditation on a throne supported by snow lions. Of dark blue complexion, he is adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestation. His two hands holds the vajra and the bell crossed before his chest in his signature mudra, symbolising the union of skilful means and wisdom indispensable to achieve Buddhahood.
Around Vajradhara are the Kagyü lineage masters: bodhisattvas and Indian mahasiddhas in the top row, and Tibetan masters on the sides. Finally, two protectors stand fiercely directly beneath him. Although no names are mentioned on the painting, masters of the Karma Kagyü lineage can be recognised thanks to their specific hats.
As the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara, the “Vajra Holder,” is the original expression of the awakened mind. He is the unique manifestation and source of the five Buddha families who are his emanations. He is considered as the primordial Buddha among the later schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Kagyü and Geluk) whereas the Nyingma school of ancient translations considers Samantabhadra as its primordial Buddha.