Shalu Monastery Central Hall Gosum Shrine: Five Dhyani Buddhas

CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse

This 14th century mural is located on the north wall of the Gosum Shrine adjoined to the assembly hall on the first story of central hall. The Five Dhyani Buddhas all sit in lotus position on lotus thrones. Joined eyebrows and an urna are painted above their narrowed eyes. They wear ornate headdresses and are adorned with finely crafted jewelry. Their tight lower garments are covered with rows of patterning. Both the palms of their hands and soles of their feet are painted red. The blue Aksobhya Buddha forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, yellow Ratnasambhava Buddha forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra, white Vairocana Buddha forms the bodhyangi (wisdom fist) mudra, red Amitabha Buddha forms the dhyana (meditation) mudra, and green Amoghasiddhi Buddha forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The backrests of their thrones are decorated with beautiful scrolling patterns and images of garudas, nagas, and makaras. At the top of the backrests, a horned creature bites the body of a snake. An array of Bodhisattvas and disciples with red nimbuses and aureoles sit in different poses beside each Buddha.