Guru Rinpoche Tibetan Thangka - Guru Padmasambhava Thangka Art

Padmasambhava ("Born from a Lotus")also known as Guru Rinpoche (Precious Guru) and the Lotus from Oḍḍiyāna, was an tantric Buddhist Vajra master from India who may have taught Vajrayana in Tibet (circa 8th - 9th centuries). In modern Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is considered to be a Buddha that was foretold by Buddha Shakyamuni.

The imagery depicted in Tibetan paintings provides a guide for the elaborate visualizations that one does in Tibetan Buddhist practice. In Tibetan homes and monasteries, thangkas are considered sacred objects and are often placed above shrines.

Beyond the specific being Padmasambhva and even beyond the collective influence of Sakyamuni, Guru Rinpoche is the guiding power which emanates from pure mind, anywhere in time and space: the universal teacher. The dialogue between disciple and guru is really the age-old interplay of illusion and truth, darkness and light, the relative and the ultimate. Guru Rinpoche is the archetypal perfect teacher: a role model. In him are to be found all the skills required to guide others. First and foremost, he attains mastery himself and only teaches others that which is perfectly assimilated in his own being, through having gone to the correct source, practised the teachings assiduously, become a worthy lineage-holder and been empowered as a guru. He embodies all the personal qualities of kindness, patience, tolerance as well as the more dynamic ones of knowing when to show force and wrath in order to help others break through emotional or meditation barriers.

Painting Design: A Tapestry of Symbolism and Sacred Art

The design of this painting intricately weaves together symbols and elements that capture the essence of Guru Padmasambhava's spiritual legacy:

• Vajra Scepter: Held in his right hand, the vajra is a symbol of indestructible reality and spiritual authority, representing Guru Rinpoche's mastery over the physical and spiritual realms.
• Skull Cup and Vase of Immortality: In his left hand, the skull cup cradling the vase signifies the transmutation of impermanence into the nectar of immortality, a core tenet of Tantric Buddhism.
• Khatvang Trident: Nestled in the crook of his left arm, the trident with its divine consort imagery symbolizes the union of bliss and emptiness, fundamental principles of Vajrayana practice.
• Attire and Brocade Cap: His exquisite gown and monastic robe, crowned with a traditional brocade cap, reflect the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism and the synthesis of royal majesty with monastic humility.

Measures approximately 16.5 x 21.5 inches

*Hand painted Thangka Painting made by local artisan in Nepal. The painting does not include brocade or a frame.