Original Hand-painted Guru Rinpoche/ PADMASAMBHAVA – PRECIOUS MASTER, Old Oil Varnished Tibetan Thangka Painting Bordered with Cotton

This old Tibetan Thangka depicts Guru Rinpoche/ Padmasambhava, bordered with soft cotton and framed without a silk cover. The Thangka is covered with oil varnish to protect and give it a shiny finish.

In the 8th century, Buddhism was introduced to Tibet by Indian master Santaraksita. He and King Trisong Detsen started building the first monastery. However, the mountain spirits were resentful and interfered with by creating many obstacles. Realizing 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 continually safeguard the Dharma. 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.

In this Thangka, Guru Padmasambhava is depicted 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 : 28-inch x 43-inch (71 cm x 109 cm)
Size of inner Painting: 15 x 20 -inch ( 38 x 51 cm)
Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas
Color: Tibetan Canvas Cotton, Stone Powder Combination With Tibetan Hide Glue Mixture
Quality: Oil-Varnished

Before making a purchase, please take note of the following important information:

- Lighting and screen resolution may cause slight color variations.
- Paintings are more captivating when viewed in person.
- The size mentioned for the painting does not include the outer border.
- Paintings will be securely packed in a PVC tube to ensure safety during transit.
- Buyers are responsible for any additional fees at their destination, including import taxes and duties, which are not included in the purchase price.