Item: Teacher (Lama) - Milarepa

Milarepa Shepa Dorje (1040 - 1123)

Milarepa, the central figure in the composition, is surrounded by a total of 17 figures. The bottom row, except for the lama in the center named Drubgyu Nyima, have no inscriptions. Based on their iconography, we identify them from left to right as Sahaja Chakrasamvara, Krodhakali Vajrayogini, and the Tseringma - Five Sisters.

In the top row, the teachers from left to right are inscribed as Vajrapani, Vajradhara, Vajrayogini, and Tilopa. In the second row from the top, down to Chakrasamvara (or the leftmost column excluding the top row), are Saraha, Naropa, Gampopa Sonam Rinchen, an unidentified Karmapa, and Kushab Yongdzin. On the right side, excluding the top row and down to Tseringma, are Rechungpa Dorje Dragpa, Tsangpa Gyare, and Kunga Tenzin.

The lineage teachers depicted are important figures in the Kagyu school, who played a key role in its early development during the 12th to 13th centuries.

Shinzo Shiratori 6-2024