Item: Refuge Field (Buddhist) - Nyingma Lineage

Field of Accumulation of the Longchen Nyingtig Tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. This painting was likely created between 1924 to 1959. (See other Longchen Nyingtig Field of Accumulation paintings and Outline Page).

The dating for this painting is based on the depiction of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892. [P258]) in the central lineage followed by two more teachers of the line. The inclusion of lineage teachers from the four major traditions of Tibet arranged at the upper right and left of the composition indicate that the creation of the painting is a product of the students of Khyentse Wangpo and there eclectic (rime) attitude. At the lower left side of the lineage teachers is Drodul Pawo Dorje (1842-1924. [P6002]). At the lower right side is Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje (1895-1959/69. [P741]).

At the upper right and left of the composition are teachers of the principal traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. In the upper left are the three main teachers each for the Kadam, Sakya and Gelug Traditions. At the upper right are the three main teachers of the Marpa Kagyu and three Nyingma Tertons. Slightly below are Terdag Lingpa and the Fifth Dalai Lama.

It is common to find in Field of Accumulation liturgies the inclusion of teachers from other traditions placed at the upper sides of the central lineage depiction. This particular composition is more organized than others in the inclusion of the main traditions clearly designated and labelled with the names of the teachers. What is missing that is also often common to other similar paintings are representatives of the Jonang and Shangpa Kagyu traditions along with figures such as Tangtong Gyalpo.

At the bottom left is Nechung Chogyong and Tsi'u Marpo riding a horse. At the bottom right are a White Mountain God on a white horse and the female protector deity Shri Devi Magzor Gyalmo. She is not typically associated in this form with the Longchen Nyingtig, but she is associated with the Khyentse Labrang of Dzongsar Monastery. (Image courtesy of Sheldan Collins).

Jeff Watt 8-2011