Item: Teacher (Lama) - Tsongkapa

Lord Tsongkapa, Lobzang Dragpa (1357-1419): founder of the Gelugpa School, emanating from the heart of the bodhisattva Maitreya.

Tsongkapa Biographical Details

In the appearance of a monastic scholar with a yellow pandita hat and the orange patchwork robes of a fully ordained monk he performs with both hands the mudra of Dharma teaching at the heart while holding the stems of two lotus flowers blossoming at both ears supporting on the right a wisdom sword and at the left a book. With the two legs folded in vajra posture he sits upon a moon disc and pink lotus seat surrounded by an ornate gold nimbus of wishing jewels and rainbow spheres. At the front, to the right and left of a begging bowl, sit the two close disciples of Je Rinpoche, Gyaltsap Dharma Rinchen (1364-1432) and Kedrup Geleg Pal Zangpo (1385-1438). Both wear monastic robes and yellow hats each holding a book in the left hand while the right hands assume postures of explication of the teachings. Emanating from the heart of the bodhisattva Maitreya, dwelling in the Tushita heaven above, all three are seated atop a great white bank of billowing clouds.

"From the heart of the Lord of the hundred gods of Tushita, on the peak of a cloud, bright white like a mound of fresh yogurt, Lord of Dharma, Omniscient Lobzang Dragpa, together with sons; please come here." (Gelugpa liturgical verse).

Seated in a western style with the legs in front Maitreya is flanked on both sides with Dipamkara Atisha to the left and Tsongkapa to the right. The heaven is lavish with ornate buildings and scenic landscapes, populated by bodhisattvas, saints and heavenly gods.

At the bottom center, standing against a churning ocean, samsara, is the Great Black One with Six Hands, Shadbhuja Mahakala, an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, blue-black in colour, wrathful and surrounded by flames. To the right is Magzor Gyalmo, wrathful Sarasvati, riding a mule. On the left is the protector Yama Dharmaraja, blue-black in colour, with the head of a buffalo, holding a bone stick and lasso. Embraced by the consort Chamundi he rides on the back of a blue buffalo; surrounded by flame.

Jeff Watt 8-1998

Thematic Sets
Tradition: Gelug Teachers (Paintings)
Teacher: Tsongkhapa Main Page
Iconography: Monastic Appearance
Tradition: Gelug Protectors (Composition Examples)
Painting Style: Men-ri (New)
Subject: Guruyoga Iconography Page
Subject: Three Manjushri of Tibet
Teacher: Tsongkapa, Father and Sons
Collection of Shelley & Donald Rubin
Tibet: Ganden Monastery
Teacher: Tsongkapa (Descending from Tushita)
Subject: Foundation Practices, Uncommon (Tantra)