21" x 16.5" Je Tsongkhapa Thangka Scroll Painting

Je Tsongkhapa Thangka Scroll Painting

 Je Tsongkhapa

Je Tsongkhapa is thought to be a manifestation of Manjushri, the nature of all the Buddhas’ wisdom; Gyaltsabje a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the nature of all the Buddhas’ compassion; and Khadrubje a manifestation of Vajrapani, the nature of all the Buddhas’ power.

Je Tsongkhapa was the holder of all three old Kadam lineages that were passed down from Atisha through Dromtonpa. He performed an extensive retreat on Atisha’s Lamrim teachings at Reting Monastery, where he received visions of Atisha, Dromtonpa, and other Lamrim lineage Gurus. With the help of these Gurus and the Wisdom Bodhisattva Manjushri, with whom he conversed directly, Je Tsongkhapa wrote several famous texts, including his Great Exposition of the Stages of the Path. Three lineages have descended from Je Tsongkhapa, and these are known as “New Kadam Lineages”; all three are still practiced today.

Je Tsongkhapa’s appearance in Tibet is believed to have been prophesied by Buddha Shakyamuni. He lived in Tibet from 1357 to 1419 AD, where he appeared in the aspect of an ordinary practitioner, although he was an enlightened being. He demonstrated a perfect example of how to build the foundation for the spiritual path, how to progress on that path, and how to complete it. By giving teachings and showing a good example, he led many disciples to gain pure, authentic realizations of the Buddha’s teachings. It is believed that even today, faithful practitioners who follow Je Tsongkhapa’s pure Dharma can accomplish enlightenment within a single lifetime.

Gesture and Attributes

Guru Tsongkhapa wear the robes of ordained persons, signifying that he has completed the perfection of moral discipline; he also wears yellow long-eared hats, signifying that they have completed the perfection of wisdom. His lotus throne signifies their complete purity of body and mind.

Je Tsongkhapa holds his two hands at the level of his heart, in the gesture of turning the Wheel of Dharma, indicating that he can dispel the ignorance of sentient beings by giving teachings. He holds the stems of upala flowers, which support a wisdom sword and a scripture of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in Eight Thousand Lines. These signify that he principally teaches the Madhyamika-Prasangika view explained in the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras (symbolized by the scripture) by means of his omniscient wisdom (symbolized by the sword), motivated by love and compassion (symbolized by the two   flowers).

About this Scroll Painting

This is a Tibetan Style Thangka Scroll Painting which is entirely hand painted by the experienced artisan using same ancient techniques. This Green Tara Thangka Scroll Painting is hand painted on cotton canvas with 24 karat gold detailing; by the artisans of Patan in Nepal who have been in the business from generations.