Buton Rinchen Drub

CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse

Buton Rinchen Drub, founder of the Shalu school of Tibetan Buddhism, was a prominent Buddhist scholar, translator, and artist born in Sakya, Shigatse. A keen learner since youth, by the age of 18, he received his novice vows and when he turned 23, he was fully ordained. He was well-versed in both sutra and tantra teachings, and was known to be involved in the cataloging of the Nartang edition of the Tibetan Kangyur and Tengyur canons. He wrote History of Buddhism, which is considered one of the most important texts on Tibetan Buddhism. His other written works, including Blue Annals, are important commentaries on the science of craft and were profoundly influential on later generations.
Buton designed and created numerous Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Dharma protector statues and paintings. In 1353, he created the Diamond Realm Mandala at Sakya Monastery. Also proficient in architectural design, between 1333 and 1335, he re-constructed Shalu Monastery. In addition to supervising the project, he was personally involved in the designing and painting of its murals as well as the production of the many statues and thangkas.