Stages of the Path Game

CHINA, Tibet; Qing dynasty

This painting acts as the board for a game played by Tibetan Buddhist monks that simulates movement through the six realms of existence and the stages of the Buddhist path towards enlightenment. Each of the 64 small circles represents a different state of being. Numerous circles representing different rebirths within the six realms are located on the lower part of board. Moving upwards, players advance through diverse stages of Buddhist practice. The first player to arrive at the heavenly palace at the top is the winner. Players move by rolling a six-sided die. The six lotus petals around each image contain instructions on where to move next according to the number rolled. Depending on the realm or stage of the path that the circle represents, a player can move upwards rapidly or tumble down into the depths.
In the heavenly palace at the top, the blue Vajradhara sits in the center, flanked by two great masters: Atisa from India and Tsongkhapa from Tibet. Atisa, who came from India to Tibet to teach the Dharma, wears a red hat representing the Kadam school that arose based on his teachings. Tsongkhapa wears the yellow hat and robe of the Gelug school that he founded. Trees, ponds and mountains surround the palace. The two rows of squares below the palace contain images of eminent monks teaching the Dharma. Each of the circles below is filled with a colorful image. There are depictions of monks meditating in caves, Bodhisattvas sitting in heavenly palaces, and beings suffering in the flames of a hell.