Kagyu Trinle Shingta, the 7th Drugchen (1718-1766) [TBRC P842]: with the right hand extended across the knee and the left in the lap supporting a long-life vase; dressed in the robes of a monk. This composition is from a set of paintings, of an unknown number, depicting the Drugpa Kagyu lineage of Drugchens. Only one other painting from the set is known to exist. That painting, belonging to Tibet House, New York, is of Kunzig Chokyi Nangwa, the 8th Drugchen (1768-1822) [TBRC P846].

Biographical Details

Directly above is Katog Rigdzin Chenpo Tsewang Norbu (1698-1755) [TBRC P676]. With the hands in the gesture of meditation he holds a skullcup and long-life vase in the lap. Attired in the variously coloured garments of a layman, he wears a lotus hat atop the head with long black hair beneath.

Tsewang Norbu

At the upper left is Tamche Kyenpa Drolwai Gon (Jonang Taranata). The right hand holds a vajra to the heart and the left, resting on the knee, cups an upturned bell. Wearing the orange robes of a monk and a red pandita hat, he sits on a cushioned seat and gazes to the side.

Taranata

At the bottom center is the peaceful enlightened protector Shri Lakshmi (Tibetan: pal lha mo) the peaceful form of Shri Devi. (Name inscriptions accompany the various figures and life-story vignettes).

Jeff Watt 11-2000