Manuscript cover with the five transcendent Buddhas
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Orientation 2
Display 3

ABM 004
Code: ABM 004
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1300 - 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 67.5 x 20.5
Materials: Wood
Manuscript cover with the Five transcendent Buddhas
This wooden manuscript cover is illustrated with the Five transcendent buddhas each performing their specific gesture. The central panel shows them sitting on thrones decorated with griffons, makara sea monsters and other fantastic creatures. The outer rim is decorated with vegetal scrolls and lines of pearls.
At the center, white Vairochana represents the victory over ignorance transformed into the expanse of reality wisdom. To the east, blue Akshobhya transforms hatred and aversion into the mirror-like wisdom. To the south, yellow Ratnasambhava transcends pride into the wisdom of sameness. To the west, red Amitabha transmutes desire and attachment into the wisdom of discernment. Finally, to the north, green Amoghasiddhi triumphs over envy and jealousy by transforming it into the all-accomplishing wisdom.
On a symbolic level, these five Buddhas represent all aspects of awakening. They are the pure expression of the ultimate goal of practice. They embody the dynamics of transformation in the process of awakening, in which ordinary emotions are transmuted into wisdom.
(Formerly part of the Beasley collection; 1882-1939)
This wooden manuscript cover is illustrated with the Five transcendent buddhas each performing their specific gesture. The central panel shows them sitting on thrones decorated with griffons, makara sea monsters and other fantastic creatures. The outer rim is decorated with vegetal scrolls and lines of pearls.
At the center, white Vairochana represents the victory over ignorance transformed into the expanse of reality wisdom. To the east, blue Akshobhya transforms hatred and aversion into the mirror-like wisdom. To the south, yellow Ratnasambhava transcends pride into the wisdom of sameness. To the west, red Amitabha transmutes desire and attachment into the wisdom of discernment. Finally, to the north, green Amoghasiddhi triumphs over envy and jealousy by transforming it into the all-accomplishing wisdom.
On a symbolic level, these five Buddhas represent all aspects of awakening. They are the pure expression of the ultimate goal of practice. They embody the dynamics of transformation in the process of awakening, in which ordinary emotions are transmuted into wisdom.
(Formerly part of the Beasley collection; 1882-1939)