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Gesar Dorje Tsegyal - Added

Gesar Dorje Tsegyal (rdo rje tshe rgyal), Gesar Vajra King of Life, is the second most common form of Gesar to appear in art. He is typically depicted in king appearance with a peaceful countenance and clothing. The head is topped with a tall white hat, he wears heavy layered clothes of multi-colours along with felt boots. The right hand holds to the heart a wish-fulfilling jewel and the left extended to the side holds a bow and arrow. He is seated in a relaxed posture on a throne decorated with three flayed human skins.


Dorje Tsegyal can be depicted in painting or sculpture in this single form described above, or he can be accompanied by seven other figures. The full retinue as described by Mipam Jamyang Namgyal Gyamtso (1846-1912) includes the youth Dorje Legpa standing at the proper right side of Gesar and in a similar appearance. On the left side stands the female figure Dorje Yudronma. In front is the army general Migmar Chenpo along with the Four Great Secret Mothers appearing as beautiful young girls. In total, there are eight figures described in the full group of the Gesar Dorje Tsegyal retinue.


The original description of the form of Dorje Tsegyal, and possibly with retinue, is attributed to Lelung Zhepa'i Dorje (1697-1740). This is known from authoritative Tibetan informants and from the lists of collected writings of Lelung. Most of the Lelung writings on the subject of Gesar are not currently available. It is hoped they will be located in the near future.


There are two sculptural representations known in museum and private collections. Only one example is shown here. Others will undoubtedly be found. The metal images can vary in posture and hand attributes but in general follow the Dorje Tsegyal depiction and descriptions.


Gesar is generally classified as a protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He can also be employed for the four Tantric activities of peaceful, increase, powerful and wrathful. Different iconographic forms of Gesar are used, visualized, imagined, when performing these different activities.