Unnamed
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
17469
Padmasambhava
Acquired: Kasha gumpa, Zankskar
Sakyapa Mandala
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
17474
Sakyamuni and Arhats
Acquired: Tuktse Monastery in Ladakh
17467 (K534)
Four Figures
Acquired: Karsha Monastery in Sangskar
The four main figures in this thang-ka, clockwise from upper
left, are Sakyamuni, Tsongkapa, Tara, and Sadaksari Avalokitesvara.
The Buddha Sakyamuni displays the bhumisparsa-mudra,
calling upon the earth to bear witness to his enlightenment. Tsongkapa
(1347-1419) is the founder of the Gelukpa sect. He is an incarnation of
Manjusri and therefore has the sword and the book, borne by lotus blossoms,
at his shoulders.
Green Tara is in the lower right flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
The Sadaksari form of Avalokitesvara is flanked by the same Bodhisattvas.
This four-armed form is incarnate in the Dalai Lamas.
This painting is from western Tibet.
17468
Sadaksari Avalokitesvara
Acquired: Nago Monastery in Kunawar
Sixth Panchen Lama
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
17477
Mahakala
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
17472
Vajrabhairava
Acquired: Kasha Monastery in Zankskar
Yamantaka?
Acquired: Kasha Monastery in Zankskar
17476 (K542)
Mandala of Samvara
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
A mandala is a representation of the universe reduced to an essentially geometric pattern. At the same time it defines a consecrated and protected area which the devotee may seek in his desire to become one with universal consciousness. The outer circle represents the eight graveyards, each complete with its own chorten (a reliquary monument), gods, worshippers, dismembered bodies and two naga figures. The next circle inward is the circle of fire in five colors of scrollwork. The inner band of the circle is of lotus petals. Thus the order represents the eight forms of consciousness, the burning away of ignorance, and spiritual rebirth. The interior of the circle contains what may be described as the floor plan of a palace or temple having four entrances, one at each of the cardinal points. Most probably seventeenth century Ladakhi.
17480
Arhat
Acquired: Tiktse Monastery in Ladakh
17475
Sakyamuni and Arhats
Acquired: Tiktse Monastery in Ladakh
17478
Tsongkapa
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
Amitabha
Acquired: Likir Monastery in Ladakh
17482
Pektse
Acquired: Hemis Monastery in Ladakh