Thangka of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)

Size: 165cm high, 115cm wide

This thangka is hand-painted in Nepal by a Tibetan artist. It is a very traditional art and holds significant meaning in Buddhist philosophy.

Meaning of Padmasambhava Buddha Thangka
Painted Thangka depicting Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, which translates to 'precious master' in Tibetan. He was an Indian tantric master who played a significant role in bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. He is widely revered as a "second Buddha" by adherents of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan states of India.

When Guru Rinpoche appeared as the reincarnation of Buddha Shakyamuni, the 'first Buddha', he revealed the Vajrayana teachings in their entirety. For the most part, Buddha Shakyamuni presented "Hinayana" teachings and Mahayana Sutras, while Guru Padmasambhava taught Vajrayana, also known as Tantra. Both revealed the complete and perfect path to awakening. However, tantric teachings offer a more subtle understanding of human experience and additional methods for realizing enlightenment.

In this painting, Padmasambhava is depicted seated in a regal posture, holding a vajra, the weapon of the gods, in his right hand. His left hand holds a vessel filled with the nectar of longevity and wisdom.