Longchen Rabjampa

CHINA; Yuan dynasty

Longchen Rabjampa, also known as Longchenpa, was one of the most brilliant teachers in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is recognized as one of the three manifestations of Manjusri to have taught in Central Tibet, along with Sakya Pandita and Tsongkhapa. Longchenpa served as the abbot of Samye Monastery, but spent most of his life traveling or in retreat. One of his major works, Seven Treasures, systematized the Nyingma school’s teachings.
In this thangka, Longchen Rabjampa wears a red ceremonial hat and a red monastic robe. Seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne, he forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra in front of his chest. Longchen is surrounded by an ornate arch decorated with intricate gold scrolling patterns and images of auspicious creatures. Bodhisattvas wearing golden headdresses, one with white skin and the other in yellow, stand in tribhanga posture on either side of the arch. These are thought to be depictions of Avalokitesvara and Maitreya. Around the edges of the picture, there are numerous mahasiddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors with red mandorlas.
The meticulous thangka features bright colors and beautiful patterning. The feet of the attendant Bodhisattvas face outward, which is characteristic of the 13th century painting school established by Yarto Jiu Gangpa.