Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) – The "Lotus-born"
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ABS 020
Code: ABS 020
Country: Tibet (central)
Style:
Date: 1500 - 1600
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 26.4 x 43.5 x 19.6
Materials: Brass
Padmasambhava - the great Indian tantric master
Padmasambhava (the lotus-born) can be understood both as a great tantric master and as an immortal deity. His eyes are wide open, to show that he dwells in absolute and indivisible truth. His crown in the shape of a five-petalled lotus flower testifies to the fact that he belongs to the lotus family and thus to Amitabha, whose manifestation he is. The feather of a vulture on the top of his head represents maha-ati or dsokchen, the highest teaching of the Nyingmapa lineage. In his right hand he holds a vajra with the threatening gesture to show that he subjugates negative forces. A skull bowl full of nectar of immortality rests in his left hand because he has reached a state beyond death. A ritual staff (kathvanga) usually rests in the crook of his arm, here it is lost. The staff indicates the presence of his consort Mandarava.
Depending on the version and episode of his astonishing biography, he bears many different names. Often he is called Guru Rimpoche (Precious Master) or the "second Buddha".
His birth a few years after the death of Buddha Shakyamuni in the 5th century BCE was, according to tradition, supernatural, for he appeared as an eight-year-old boy from a lotus blossom. The only historical reference to his earthly life however, is the account of his invitation to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen in the second half of the 8th century (i.e. more than 1,000 years later) on the advice of the abbot of Zahor (Shantarakshita).
They requested him to subdue the negative forces that opposed the establishment of the Buddha's teaching. Even on the way there, he vanquished many hostile powers and converted them into protectors of the teaching. Thus, he enabled the construction of Samye Monastery (the first monastery in Tibet), the ground plan of which represents the universe. Therefore, he occupies a very important place in the Kagyu and the Nyingmapa lineages.
Ultimately, he left Tibet to retire to a mystical realm (Chamara) where he is said to reside even today. His mantra: "Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum" is believed to strengthen wisdom, compassion and healing.
Padmasambhava (the lotus-born) can be understood both as a great tantric master and as an immortal deity. His eyes are wide open, to show that he dwells in absolute and indivisible truth. His crown in the shape of a five-petalled lotus flower testifies to the fact that he belongs to the lotus family and thus to Amitabha, whose manifestation he is. The feather of a vulture on the top of his head represents maha-ati or dsokchen, the highest teaching of the Nyingmapa lineage. In his right hand he holds a vajra with the threatening gesture to show that he subjugates negative forces. A skull bowl full of nectar of immortality rests in his left hand because he has reached a state beyond death. A ritual staff (kathvanga) usually rests in the crook of his arm, here it is lost. The staff indicates the presence of his consort Mandarava.
Depending on the version and episode of his astonishing biography, he bears many different names. Often he is called Guru Rimpoche (Precious Master) or the "second Buddha".
His birth a few years after the death of Buddha Shakyamuni in the 5th century BCE was, according to tradition, supernatural, for he appeared as an eight-year-old boy from a lotus blossom. The only historical reference to his earthly life however, is the account of his invitation to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen in the second half of the 8th century (i.e. more than 1,000 years later) on the advice of the abbot of Zahor (Shantarakshita).
They requested him to subdue the negative forces that opposed the establishment of the Buddha's teaching. Even on the way there, he vanquished many hostile powers and converted them into protectors of the teaching. Thus, he enabled the construction of Samye Monastery (the first monastery in Tibet), the ground plan of which represents the universe. Therefore, he occupies a very important place in the Kagyu and the Nyingmapa lineages.
Ultimately, he left Tibet to retire to a mystical realm (Chamara) where he is said to reside even today. His mantra: "Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum" is believed to strengthen wisdom, compassion and healing.