Item: Teacher (Lama) - Karmapa 13, Dudul Dorje

Dudul Dorje, the 13th Karmapa, (1733-1797): able to teach the word of the Buddha to both humans and animals; from a set of paintings nearly thirty in number designed by Situ Panchen Chokyi Jungne in the 18th century.

Kar ma pa Biographical Details

Formal in appearance and fair in colour Dudul Dorje sits with the proper right hand in the open gesture (mudra) of generosity extended over the right knee. The left hand is held to the heart in the gesture of blessing. Adorning the head he displays the black hat, typical of the Karmapa lamas, believed to be a gift of the dakinis bestowed originally to Dusum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa. Wearing the red and orange robes of a fully ordained monk (bhikshu), he sits atop a throne and cushioned seat with an elaborate backrest and brocade. In front on a low table an assortment of ritual objects and delicacies are displayed. On the ground in front of that are rows of various gems, precious jewels and a stalk of red coral. At the middle right a tree rises upward on a long trunk and branches copiously endowed with green foliage and fruit. The middle left background is filled with an idyllic landscape scene and tall mountains typical of the original Karma Gadri and Karshodpa styles of painting.

At the top left a human figure sits atop a white lotus next to the female deity White Parasol, Sitatapatra, encircled by a ring of flames. To the left is White Amitayus seated above a large white billowing cloud.

At the bottom left are three seated figures with two wearing religious hats denoting rank. The figure at the bottom left is holding upraised an offering plate held respectfully with a white ceremonial scarf (katag). At the bottom right is the Great Black One of the Vajra Pavilion, Mahakala Panjarnata, surrounded by the flames of wisdom fire.

Jeff Watt 9-2005