Himalayan Art Resources

Item: Teacher (Lama) - Tsongkapa

བླ་མ། 喇嘛
(item no. 76)
Origin Location Tibet
Date Range 1500 - 1599
Lineages Gelug and Buddhist
Size 88.27x53.34cm (34.75x21in)
Material Ground Mineral Pigment on Cotton
Collection Rubin Museum of Art
Catalogue # acc.# P1994.13.4
Notes about the Central Figure

Classification: Person

Appearance: Monastic

Gender: Male

TBRC: bdr:P64

Interpretation / Description

Lama Tsongkapa (1357-1419): founder of the Gelugpa School, with the two principal students, Gyaltsab on the left and Khedrup on the right.

Tsongkapa Biographical Details

At the top center is the buddha Shakyamuni accompanied by two bodhisattvas and three rows of lineage gurus. In the foreground a lama wearing monastic robes, seated on a throne, is encircled by four lamas. At the bottom left is the Dharma protector Shadbhuja Mahakala. At the right is Yama Dharmaraja.

Jeff Watt 9-2000

Front of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: (Some of the Lama figures have name inscriptions in U-med lettering).

Related Items
Thematic Sets
Teacher: Tsongkapa (Yogachara & Madhyamaka Lineages)
Subject: Jewels (Early Use as Offerings)
Tradition: Gelug Teachers (Paintings)
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery 6
Teacher: Tsongkhapa Main Page
Teacher: Tsongkapa, Father and Sons
Subject: Lineage Paintings - Dual
Subject: Shrine, Buddhist