Mahayana Buddhism Collection

India, Ladakh, Thiksey. The immense and beautifully gilded Maitreya Buddha in the Chamkhang temple at Thiksey Monastery

A Goddess, and the Goddess Mahapratisara, Two Folios from a Pancharaksha... between 1160 and 1161. Creator: Unknown
A Goddess, and the Goddess Mahapratisara, Two Folios from a Pancharaksha (The Five Protective Charms) (image 3 of 3), between 1160 and 1161

A Goddess, and the Goddess Mahapratisara, Two Folios from a Pancharaksha... between 1160 and 1161. Creator: Unknown
A Goddess, and the Goddess Mahapratisara, Two Folios from a Pancharaksha (The Five Protective Charms) (image 2 of 3), between 1160 and 1161

Kan'eiji Temple on Toeizan, from the series "Fashionable Eight Views of Edo... early 19th century
Kan'eiji Temple on Toeizan, from the series "Fashionable Eight Views of Edo (Furyu Edo hakkei)", Japan, early 19th century

Borro Boedoor, 1845. Creator: William Purser
Borro Boedoor, 1845. View of Borobudur, a Mahayana Buddhist temple in central Java, Indonesia. Dating from the 9th century, it is the world's largest Buddhist temple

Toeizan Temple at Ueno (Ueno Toeizan no zu), from the series "Famous Places in the... c. 1832/38
Toeizan Temple at Ueno (Ueno Toeizan no zu), from the series "Famous Places in the Eastern Capital (Toto meisho)", Japan, c. 1832/38

Taima Mandala, probably late 14th century. Creator: Unknown
Taima Mandala, probably late 14th century. Amida sits enthroned at the center of the mandala, flanked by the bodhisattvas Seishi and Kannon

Green Tara, Folio from... (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Creator: Unknown
Green Tara, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century

White Tara, Folio from... (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Creator: Unknown
White Tara, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century

Bodhisattva Maitreya, Leaf from... (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century
Bodhisattva Maitreya, Leaf from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Bodhisattva Maitreya, holding a lotus stem, bestowing protection

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Dispensing Boons... early 12th century. Creator: Mahavihara Master
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Dispensing Boons: Folio from an Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, early 12th century. Avalokiteshvara, bodhisattva of compassion

Jizo Bosatsu, Kamakura period, late 12th / early 13th century. Creator: Unknown
Jizo Bosatsu, Kamakura period, late 12th/early 13th century

A Perspective View: The Two Deva Kings Gate of Kinryuzan Temple (Ukie: Kinryuzan)
A Perspective View: The Two Deva Kings Gate of Kinryuzan Temple (Ukie: Kinryuzan niomon no zu), Japan, 1781/89

Figure of Avalokitesvara Guanyin (gilt bronze)
PFR205146 Figure of Avalokitesvara Guanyin (gilt bronze) by Chinese School (14th century); height:58.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Welcoming Descent of Amida and Bodhisattvas, late 14th century. Creator: Unknown
Welcoming Descent of Amida and Bodhisattvas, late 14th century. Raigo paintings depict the scene in which Amida and attendants descend from heaven to take a believer back to Western Paradise

Wrathful Eight-armed and Three-faced Goddess Tara Marichi... ca. 1090. Creator: Unknown
Wrathful Eight-armed and Three-faced Goddess Tara Marichi, Leaf from a dispersed Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, ca. 1090. Tara Marichi, an emanation from, and sakti of, Vairocana

Bodhisattva Maitreya... (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Creator: Unknown
Bodhisattva Maitreya, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with a devotee and Mahakali

Green Tara... (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Creator: Unknown
Green Tara, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Manuscript, early 12th century. Green Tara is a female Buddha

Buddha Enthroned in a Shrine, Leaf from... Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita... ca
Buddha Enthroned in a Shrine, Leaf from a dispersed Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, ca. 1090. Hands raised in dharmacakra mudra, preaching

Buddha with His Hands Raised in Dharmacakra Mudra... ca. 1090. Creator: Unknown
Buddha with His Hands Raised in Dharmacakra Mudra, Leaf from a dispersed Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, ca. 1090. Teaching a sermon at Sarnath

Buddha Giving Safety (Abhayananda) to Mariners, Leaf from... ca. 1090. Creator: Unknown
Buddha Giving Safety (Abhayananda) to Mariners, Leaf from a Dispersed Pancavimsatisahasrika Prajnapramita, ca. 1090

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Expounding the Dharma to a Devotee... early 12th century
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Expounding the Dharma to a Devotee: Folio from a Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Manuscript, early 12th century

Illustrated Biography of Honen (Shuikotokuden-e), ca. 1310-20. Creator: Unknown
Illustrated Biography of Honen (Shuikotokuden-e), ca. 1310-20. with his disciple disciples, Shinran (1173-1262)

India, Ladakh, Leh. Looking south out over Leh, capital of Ladakh, towards the Zanskar Range, with Stok Kangri peak clearly visible

India, Ladakh, Thiksey. Young novice monk sweeping up the tsampa crumbs at morning prayers or puja, Thiksey Monastery

India, Ladakh, Hemis. Monk reciting prayers to the slow rhythm of a drum at Hemis Monastery

India, Ladakh, Lamayuru. Lamayuru Monastery, remote and isolated, hemmed in by dramatic snow covered mountains

India, Ladakh, Thiksey. The golden finial of a chorten at Thiksey Monastery

India, Ladakh, Thiksey. View of the Indus Valley from Thiksey Monastery

India, Ladakh, Alchi. Alchi Tsatsapuri is a little-know temple complex situated in close vicinity to the very famous Alchi Choskhor in Ladakh. It contains superb early wall-paintings

India, Ladakh, Leh. Stok Kangri Peak from Leh. Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the Stok Range in the Himalayas, in the Ladakh region of North West India

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Mahayana Buddhism, a profound and influential school of thought, has left its mark on the rich cultural landscape of India. In the enchanting region of Ladakh, specifically in Thiksey, stands the awe-inspiring Chamkhang temple adorned with an immense and beautifully gilded Maitreya Buddha. This sacred site serves as a testament to the devotion and reverence that Mahayana Buddhists hold for their spiritual path. As we journey further into Ladakh, Leh reveals itself with breathtaking views of Stok Kangri Peak. Majestic and serene, this highest mountain in the Stok Range captivates both locals and visitors alike. It symbolizes the lofty aspirations that practitioners strive towards – reaching new heights in their pursuit of enlightenment. Delving deeper into this ancient tradition, we encounter exquisite artworks that depict revered figures such as Green Tara. A folio from an early 12th-century manuscript showcases her grace and compassion as she guides devotees along their paths to liberation through wisdom. Another leaf from this same manuscript introduces us to Bodhisattva Maitreya who embodies future enlightenment. His presence offers solace and hope to those seeking guidance amidst life's uncertainties. Jizo Bosatsu emerges from Japan's Kamakura period with his compassionate gaze embracing all beings suffering in samsara. This unknown creator skillfully captures Jizo Bosatsu's essence – a protector who extends his benevolence beyond time and space. In Kinryuzan Temple’s Two Deva Kings Gate painting, we witness a perspective view that transports us into another realm altogether. Its intricate details beckon us closer to explore the wonders within Mahayana Buddhism's vast cosmology. Avalokitesvara Guanyin appears before us as a figure carved from gilt bronze - radiating compassion and mercy towards all sentient beings without discrimination or judgment. Their divine presence reminds followers to cultivate empathy within themselves.