The thangka depicting the Sakyamuni Buddha is a vibrant expression of spiritual significance and artistic skill. In this intricate artwork, the Buddha is shown seated majestically upon a lion throne, embodying strength and compassion. He is depicted in the vitarka mudra, symbolising the transmission of wisdom and teachings, with an assemblage of revered figures comfortably nestled on his lap, signifying the nurturing aspect of his enlightenment. At the topmost section of the thangka, the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso (1543–1588), occupies the centre stage, surrounded by a circle of seated Buddha figures who radiate serenity. Sonam Gyatso, a pivotal figure in weaving the tapestry of relations between Tibet and Mongolia, is portrayed with an air of authority and reverence. It was from the Mongol ruler Altan Khan that he received the illustrious title “Dalai Lama,” marking the beginning of a profound spiritual lineage. He founded several significant monasteries, including the illustrious Namgyal Monastery, which played a crucial role in disseminating Tibetan Buddhism across Mongolia. This thangka also captures the lavish attire of the royal patrons at the bottom, who are depicted in regal clothing that reflects their noble statuses. Among them, the central figure bears a striking resemblance to the Mahasiddha, who is revered for their profound wisdom, and is making a dharmacakra mudra. The other two kingly figures, seated on ornate thrones and presented in profile, enhance the rich narrative of this artwork, illustrating the intertwined spiritual and political alliances forged through Sonam Gyatso’s endeavours. The piece as a whole resonates with a sense of history, devotion, and interconnectedness between regions and cultures.