Item: Padmasambhava - (Main Form)

Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche (Tibetan: pe ma jung ne, English: Lotus Born): believed to be one of the main founders of Buddhism in Tibet. Possibly from the Kham Riwoche area.

Standing on the left side is Mandarava. On the right side is Yeshe Tsogyal.

In the top register, at the center is Samantabhadra Buddha, with the Eight forms of Padmasambhava to the right and left sides. Below that, placed on the inside registers, are Amitabha Buddha and Chaturbhuja Lokeshvara.

Descending on the right and left registers and occupying some spaces at the bottom of the composition are the Twenty-five principal disciples of Padmasambhava. Some are depicted as monks while others are lay followers.

At the bottom center is red Guru Dragpo, with two arms, holding a black scorpion. Below that are six meditational deities: Akshobhyavajra Guhyasmaja, Hayagriva, Chakrasamvara, Heruka, Hevajra and Green Tara.

"Miraculous buddha arising from a lotus, unborn, undying, possessing a vajra body, performing the activity of all buddhas of the three times; homage to Padmasambhava." (Nyingma liturgical verse).

Jeff Watt 1-2018