Item: Teacher (Lama) - Tsongkapa

Lama Tsongkapa (1357-1419) was the founder of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism. He established the Ganden Monastery which became the principal seat of the school. Beginning with Tsongkapa, the successive Throne Holders are the heads of the Gelugpa Tradition. This is painting #14 (R7) in the standard fifteen painting set designed by Jamyang Shepa (1648-1721/1722) in the early 18th century.

At the middle left side of the composition is a small figure of Tsongkapa in front of a standing gold statue of Maitreya. Directly above are two artists painting a wall mural. Above that is a sphere containing the Thirty-five Confession Buddhas.

Jeff Watt 8-2011