Item: Teacher (Lama) - Taranata

Taranata, Kunga Nyingpo (1575-1634 [P1428]). This is the main painting (center) from a set of paintings either depicting the previous incarnations of Jonang Taranata, or a series of paintings depicting the Jonang Tradition of teachers. (Read a short biography of Taranata).

At the top center is Shakyamuni Buddha. Two Elders from the group of Sixteen Elders are seated slightly below, Ajita on the proper right of the Buddha and Angaja on the left side.

Alongside the throne of Taranata are two meditational deities important in the Jonang tradition. At the lower left is Heruka Kalachakra with consort and on the right is Heruka Hevajra with consort.

In the lower composition are the two principal wisdom protectors of the Jonang tradition. At the bottom left is Panjarnata Mahakala. On the right side is Shri Devi Dudsolma with one face and four arms, riding atop a donkey. Between the two protectors are the Seven Jewels of Royal Power.

The two elders, central figure and two meditational deities have name inscriptions written in Tibetan printed script. There are also two lengthy inscriptions to the right and left sides of the Seven Jewels.

Jeff Watt 1-2015 [updated 8-2017]