Trashigang Dzong: Drukpa Kagyu Lineage Tree

BHUTAN, Trashigang

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the transmission of its teachings is emphasized through lineage trees such as this. The tree is contained within a foliated mandorla that depicts the line of teachers seated within a lotus trellis. Vajradhara, the initiating guru of the Kagyu school, is enthroned at the center with hands held in vajrahumkara (embracing wisdom) mudra. He wears a five-leaf crown and other jewelry befitting celestial origin and sits in full lotus position. Tilopa, seated at the top left holds a fish that represents the transmission of the teachings, which he passes to his disciple Naropa, who has a skull cup in the left hand.
The person seated with hands on knees to the left below Tilopa is Marpa, Naropa’s disciple. His disciple Milarepa is across from him on the right, portrayed in the customary position with right hand held behind the ear. The remaining five images are ordained teachers of the Kagyu school wearing the hats associated with their order and making mudras or carrying ritual implements.