Palcho Monastery Kumbum Stupa Wish Fulfilling Shrine: Kamalasila

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

This statue depicts Kamalasila, an 8th century Indian scholar of the Madhyamaka school, who transmitted important teachings to Tibet. He is portrayed wearing a lama’s red ceremonial hat with long earflaps. The teacher’s maroon monastic robe covers the left shoulder and is slightly draped over the right, leaving the chest bare; while the skirted under-robe is tied high at the waist. The figure is located within a flaming nimbus that joins an aureole to form a niche-like cavity. Kamalasila sits in full lotus position, making the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra.