Thangka of Sakyamuni Buddha
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 […]
Thangka of Refuge Field of Gelug
A Gelug Refuge Field Thangka is a detailed depiction of the spiritual lineage associated with the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, often featuring Je Tsongkhapa or another significant teacher as the focal point. This thangka represents the “Tree of Refuge,” illustrating the hierarchical nature of refuge-taking among practitioners in the lineage of masters portrayed along […]
Thangka of Bhaishajyaguru Buddha Mandala
The thangka depicts the Bhaishajyaguru Buddha, also known as the Medicine Buddha. The forms and ritual practices associated with the Medicine Buddha are derived from the Bhaishajyaguru Sutra, which, according to Buddhist tradition, was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. In the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, this sutra is classified as part of Tantra literature and falls under […]
Buddha and Lambs
In this painting, the Buddha tenderly cradling a lamb amid a quiet flock becomes a moving visual embodiment of the Brahmaviharas, the four sublime states of mind taught in Buddhism. The scene most explicitly expresses karuna compassion one of these divine abodes. Yet, the tranquillity and balance of the composition also suggest the presence of […]
Vimalamitra
Vimalamitra was a prominent 8th-century Buddhist monk, philosopher, and tantric adept, known for his role in transmitting esoteric teachings from India to Tibet. He significantly contributed to the early spread of Tantric Buddhism, particularly the Dzogchen teachings within the Nyingma school, founded by Guru Padmasambhava. Born in Western India, Vimalamitra became a leading scholar among […]
Dharmarakṣa
Dharmaraksa, a Buddhist monk from Dunhuang, was a key translator in Chinese Buddhist history during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries CE. He significantly contributed to the dissemination of Mahayana Buddhism by translating numerous texts, surpassing his predecessors in both quantity and variety. Among his works are essential sutras like the Saddharma Pundarika Sutra […]
Vasubandhu Bodhisatva
Vasubandhu was a significant Buddhist teacher and philosopher who greatly influenced Mahayana Buddhism during the Gupta period in India. Revered as one of the “Six Ornaments” of the Himalayan Buddhist tradition, he contributed to various Buddhist traditions, including Vaibhasika, Sautrantika, and Yogacara. Born around 316 CE in Puruṣapura (modern-day Peshawar), he was a Brahmana. Although […]
Asvaghosa
Asvaghosa was a prominent Buddhist monk, philosopher, dramatist, and poet, considered one of the earliest influential literary figures in classical Indian Buddhism. Born in Saketa (now Ayodhya), he was a Brahmin who dedicated himself to the Astanga-Marga, earning respect among learned monks and being referred to as a Bodhisattva. The Chinese pilgrim I-tsing noted him […]
Bhavachakra (Wheel of Existence)
The bhavachakra, a significant concept in Buddhism, illustrates the perpetual cycle of rebirth that is influenced by the law of dependent origination (pratītya-samutpāda). This representation is often depicted as a wheel held by a creature, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of existence. At the core of the wheel, we find the three […]
Celestial Deity
The sculpture features a celestial dancing figure defined by an elegant, sinuous curve, typical of classical Indian aesthetics as described in the Natyashastra. Her torso leans dramatically, creating a dynamic contrapposto that suggests fluid motion, as if she is captured mid-dance. The sculptor emphasises her body’s articulation, lifted shoulder, arched back, and shifted hips, conveying […]