Choying Dorje (1604-1674), 10th Karmapa [Biographical Information]. Painted by the artist Pema Rinzin (c).

In the center of the composition is the 10th Karmapa Choying Dorje wearing the black vajra hat of the Karmapa incarnation lineage. His two hands are placed at the heart performing the gesture of teaching while holding the stems of two lotus flowers blossoming above the shoulders and supporting a vajra and bell. Seated at the left is Rimtrowa Kuntu Zangpo wearing the robes of a monk, holding a large bowl of jewels in the right hand and a long-life vase in the left. On the right side is the consort Kalpa Zangmo. She holds a vase upraised in the right hand while kneeling and bowing the head.

At the top center is Chokyi Wangchug, the 6th Shamar, wearing monastic robes and a red hat, holding a book. At the lower left is Yeshe Nyingpo, the 7th Shamar. On the right is Tsuglag Gyatso, the 3rd Nenang Pawo. At the bottom center is the Goddess of the Dawn, Ashokanta Marichi, yellow in colour with one face and two hands, seated on the back of a sow, surrounded by happy piglets, rolling and playing, sleeping and exploring.

Jeff Watt 4-2006