Thangka of Refuge Field of Gelug

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Painting Title
Thangka of Refuge Field of Gelug

Time Period
19th century

Location Found
Tibet

Material
Cloth, Natural Colours, gouache

Dimensions
L: 155 cm, W: 75 cm

Number Assigned
Accession No. 62.3010
National Museum, Delhi

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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 its branches or resting on lotus supports. These thangkas serve both as meditation aids and as essential educational tools, conveying the transmission of teachings from Shakyamuni Buddha to present-day followers through the lamas. The layout of Gelug Refuge Field Thangkas includes a myriad of enlightened beings, teachers, and sages, each representing a vital link in the uninterrupted transmission of the Dharma. Typically located at the bottom of the composition are various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors, which provide a safeguard for the lineage and its practices. The arrangement of figures follows a spiritual hierarchy, with the most prominent figures at the top and less significant ones below. Some thangkas draw on the Lamrim tradition, with Shakyamuni prominently placed at the centre, while others focus on the Lama Chupa practice, centring on the guru’s teachings. The artistic styles can vary, featuring designs arranged on lotus bases, in circular formats, or in panoramic landscapes, all rooted in the artistic traditions of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and the lineage of the Panchen Lama. Such variations enrich the cultural and instructional value of these thangkas within the Gelug tradition.

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