Nyentok Monastery: Yamantaka

CHINA, Qinghai, Rebkong; Qing dynasty

This 18th century mural depicts Yamantaka, a wrathful manifestation of Manjusri Bodhisattva who symbolizes the conquering of death with the wisdom of enlightenment. Surrounded by flames, Yamantaka stands in the warrior stance while embracing his consort. The nine heads are arranged into three tiers. The fierce blue ox’s head in the center of the lowest tier is that of Yama, lord of death. The red head of a raksasa occupies the second tier, and Manjusri’s head is at the top, representing peace and compassion. All of the heads except that of Manjusri are topped with a crown of skulls. The blue body is adorned with a necklace of human heads and a black snake belt. Each of the 34 hands holds a ritual instrument. The 16 feet represent Yamantaka’s control over Yama’s 16 iron cities, as well as the 16 types of emptiness. The right feet stands on prone figures, symbolizing the eight accomplishments, and the birds of the eight freedoms are under the left feet. The bottom corners are painted with Mahadevi on the right and Mahakala on the left. Scenes from the Life of the Buddha are shown in the upper corners.