Portrait of a Tibetan Monk, 12th century. Creator: Unknown

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Portrait of a Tibetan Monk, 12th century. Creator: Unknown

Portrait of a Tibetan Monk, 12th century. Wearing the robes of a Tibetan Buddhist monk, the individual depicted in this portrait was probably a teacher of the Kadampa order. The painting's patron, perhaps a disciple of the monk, is seen in the lower left corner, gazing toward the teacher. Sitting before an altar and holding an offering lamp, he too wears monk's robes but has the long hair of a layman. The four deities to the right of the altar are especially important within the Kadampa tradition: from left to right we see the goddess or female bodhisattva White Tara, the male bodhisattva Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, the goddess-bodhisattva Green Tara, and the wrathful buddha Achala. Seated along the top register are the five celestial buddhas and a four-armed goddess, probably Prajnaparamita ("Perfect Wisdom"), considered the mother of all buddhas and the embodiment of wisdom. Below them, the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and the blue medicine buddha flank the monk at the centre

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Media ID 36367988

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Avalokiteshvara Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva Bosatsu Celestial Disciple Educator Green Tara Guan Yin Guanyin Kannon Kuan Yin Monk Monks Padmapani Saffron Tara Teacher Teaching Tempera On Cloth Tibet Tibetan Tibetan Buddhism Vessantara Jataka Walters Art Museum

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite 12th century portrait captures the enigmatic presence of a Tibetan Monk, whose identity remains a mystery to us. The monk is depicted wearing the traditional robes of a Tibetan Buddhist teacher of the Kadampa order. In the lower left corner, we see the portrait's patron, likely a disciple or student, reverently gazing towards his teacher. The patron wears monk's robes but has the long hair of a layman, signifying his devotion and respect. The painting's composition is rich with symbolism. To the right of the altar, we find the four deities most revered within the Kadampa tradition. From left to right, we see the goddess White Tara, the male bodhisattva Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara, the goddess-bodhisattva Green Tara, and the wrathful buddha Achala. These deities represent compassion, wisdom, activity, and stability, respectively. Seated above, we find the five celestial buddhas and a four-armed goddess, most likely Prajnaparamita, the embodiment of wisdom and the mother of all buddhas. The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and the blue medicine Buddha flank the monk at the center. This painting is a testament to the deep spiritual connection between the monk and his patron, as well as the profound significance of the Kadampa tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. The intricate details and vibrant colors showcase the masterful artistry of the painter, transporting us to a time and place of profound spiritual contemplation and enlightenment.

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