Marpa Chokyi Lodro, Translator: patriarch of the Kagyu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mar pa Biographical Details

With a dark complexion and short cropped hair, Marpa sits at the center of the composition. At the top center is blue Vajradhara the primordial Buddha with the two Indian siddhas Tilopa and Naropa seated at the right and left. Below that at the viewers left is the siddha Maitripa and on the right side the founder of the Shangpa Kagyu Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Kedrub Kyungpo Naljor.

Seated in front of the throne are Milarepa on the left side wearing a white robe and Gampopa attired in monastic robes on the right side. Below that on the left is Dusum Kyenpa founder of the Karma Kagyu School and on the right is Pagmodrupa whose students founded the Drugpa, Taglung, Drigung and other schools and lineages of the Kagyu Tradition.

The table in front is filled with offering substances required for a Tantric 'ganachakra' a feast ritual of celebration and purification. The substances include meat, fish, alcohol and skullcup containers.

Jeff Watt 1-2010