Padmasambhava (8th century). Wearing the robes of a monk, he holds upraised in the right hand a blue vaidurya 'terma' treasure casket. This painting belongs to a nine painting set depicting the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava.

At the top center is Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798). At the right and left, flying in the air, are Nanam Yeshe De and Namkai Nyingpo. At the bottom left is Karchen Palgyi Wangchug and to the right Sogpo Lhapal. These last four belong to the group of 25 Great Disciples of Padmasambhava. The building at the viewer's upper right is representing the first monastery of Tibet, Samye Chokor Ling. This composition is based on a famous Bhutanese set of paintings depicting the life story of Padmasambhava based on the Padma Katang text and commissioned by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tendzin Rabgye. (See Inverted Painting Experiment).

Jeff Watt 9-2000

See the publication The Living Religions & Cultural Traditions of Bhutan, page 60-61. National Commision for Cultuaral Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. Published by National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi, 2001. ISBN 81-85832-16-1.