Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa, (1555-1603): wanderer, teacher and writer.

Kar ma pa Biographical Details

Gazing to the side with a furrowed brow, he has grey hair and wrinkles. The right hand holds extended across the right knee a gold vajra. The left in the lap in the mudra of meditation supports a white skullcup filled with blue nectar and a gold long-life vase crowned with a jewel and two horse heads. Wearing the orange and red patchwork robes of a monk - assembled from strips of discarded cloth, his lower body is wrapped with a dark red meditation cloak. Atop the head is the black vajra crown, a synthesis of the gift of the dakinis and the offering of Emperor Yung Lo to the 5th Karmapa Deshin Shegpa. Above a brocade cushion and ornate wooden throne adorned with wishing jewels he sits surrounded by blue-grey clouds, green foliage and flower blossoms.

In front, two tables, one above the other, support a damaru hand drum, a vajra handled bell and a golden container. Precious jewels of various colours bordered with elephant tusks are heaped in front on a flat open landscape. At the left, mountain streams descend from white capped peaks and billowing clouds. Engaged in travelling and teaching Wangchuk Dorje spent much of his time living in large monastic encampments resembling tent cities.

Jeff Watt 6-99