Mandala of
Guhyasamaja - Akshobhyavajra
(item no. 620)

Tibet

1600 - 1699

Gelug Lineage

67.31x59.06cm (26.50x23.25in)

Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton

Collection of Rubin Museum of Art

(acc.# F1998.7.1)

 


Akshobhyavajra, Guhyasamaja (Tibetan: mi kyo dor je, sang wa du pa. English: the Unshakeable Scepter, Secret Assembly): depicted in the center of a mandala, the principal deity of the Father (Method) classification of Anuttarayoga Tantra of Tantric Buddhism.

Peaceful in appearance, with a stern expression, blue in colour, he has three faces and six hands, embracing the consort. Lineage teachers are seated along the top and descend at the sides.

Guhyasamaja has two main traditions, the Arya (Nagarjuna) Lineage and the Jnana (Jnanapada) Lineage. The subject of this painting is the Arya Lineage. Of the three types of Anuttarayoga Tantra this is the chief of the 'Method' (Father) class.

Jeff Watt 9-2003


View other items in:
Thematic Set
Mandala Paintings
Tradition: Gelug Deity Paintings
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery III
Buddhist Deity: Guhyasamaja (Main Page)
Painting Style: Tibet (Balri)
Tradition: Gelug Mandalas
Mandala (Gelug)
Buddhist Deity: Guhyasamaja - Akshobhyavajra
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Mandala



Copyright © 2008 Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.
Photographed Image Copyright © 2004 Rubin Museum of Art