This is an old oil-varnished Tibetan Thangka that portrays Guru Rinpoche/Padmasambhava. It is bordered with soft cotton brocade and covered with oil varnish to protect it and give it a shiny finish.

In the 8th century, the Indian master Santaraksita introduced Buddhism to Tibet, and he and King Trisong Detsen started building the first monastery. However, the mountain spirits were resentful and interfered with by creating many obstacles. Realizing that they needed the help of a realized master with control over physical reality, the King invited Guru Padmasambhava to come and tame the spirits.

Guru Padmasambhava was famous for his miraculous powers, particularly his skill in subduing spirits. At the request of the King, he journeyed to Tibet, where he engaged in magical battles with the local natural spirits. By defeating them, he bound them by oath to safeguard the Dharma continually. Today, evidence of his triumphs can still be observed in the valleys and villages of Tibet.

The King, Santaraksita, and Guru Padmasambhava worked together to establish Buddhism in the country. The King founded temples, Santaraksita ordained monks, while Guru Padmasambhava established Tantric Buddhism's secret and powerful practices and gave profound teachings to his closest disciples, including the King. Additionally, Guru Padmasambhava hid religious treasures throughout the Himalayan region, anticipating that a future king would try to destroy Tibetan Buddhism. Centuries later, these treasures would be unveiled by seers destined to receive them.

Guru Padmasambhava is still deeply revered by many Tibetans, especially those within the Nyingma school. He is believed to exist still, dwelling at the level of spontaneous presence, and remains full of compassion for sentient beings. He has the power to bestow blessings instantly and grant wishes immediately.

This Thangka depicts Guru Padmasambhava in his most well-known representation. He holds a khatvanga in his left arm, representing his consort, Mandarava, who inspires the realization of emptiness. His hat, adorned with a sun and moon, represents skillful means and wisdom. Guru Padmasambhava is depicted with a khatvanga with three severed heads and a trident, symbolizing his liberation from the three kayas of desire, form, and formlessness. He holds a vajra in his right hand, symbolizing conventional and ultimate truth. His left hand is in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra) and rests on his lap. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup that contains the vase of immortality. This reminds us of the connection between Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha Amitabha.

Size with Cotton Brocade : 31-inch x 43-inch (79 cm x 107 cm)

Size of inner Painting: 15 x 19 -inch ( 38 x 48 cm)

Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas

Color: Tibetan Canvas Cotton,  Stone Powder Combination With Tibetan Hide Glue Mixture 

Quality: Oil-Varnished