Item: Mandala of Manjushri (Bodhisattva & Buddhist Deity) - Dharmadhatu Vagishvara, Namasangiti

Dharmadhatu Vagishvara Manjushri with 219 Deities (Tibetan: jam pal cho ying sung gi wang chug lha nyi gya dang chu gui kyil kor): a complex form of the deity Manjushri, first of the seven principal mandalas from the Manjushri Namasangiti Tantra [TBRC W22003]. (See an almost identical painting composition and subject HAR #455).

Manjushri is the deity in the middle of the complex circular mandala (center and circumference). He has four faces and eight hands, seated in the cross legged vajra posture. His body colour can be either white or orange. The first circle of surrounding deities are the Buddhas of the four directions with attendants and consorts, each in the same appearance as the central figure. Other deities totaling 219 surround the central figures extending outward in descending rank.

The Manjushri Namasangiti Tantra was first translated into Tibetan in the 8th century and re-translated during the Sarma period in the 11th century and classified as both a Yoga and Anuttarayoga Tantra. It depicts numerous forms of Manjushri both peaceful, wrathful and full mandalas with many deities such as the Dharmadhatu Vagishvara. Monks and lamas from all traditions memorize the Tantra in early childhood.

Lineage of Teachers: The Perfect Buddha, Holy Manjughosha, Khache Yeshe Dorje, Lobpon Jampal Dragpa, Kepa Palpe Zangpo, Dramze Yeshe Dorje, Sherab Jungne Bepa, Dramze Shepa Dorje, Padmakaravarmin, Shraddhakaravarmin, Lochen Rinchen Zangpo, Lochung Legpai Sherab, Ngog Ge Serwa, Kyangpo Dharma Drag, Triton Kunga Ozer, Khenpo Chokyi Dorje, Kunkhyen Choku Ozer, Pagod Yontan Gyatso, Buton Rinchen Drub, Tugse Rinchen Namgyal, Jamyang Dragpa Gyaltsen (1365-1448), Sharchen Yeshe Gyaltsen (d.1406) [TBRC P3094], etc.

Jeff Watt 8-2005