Phyang Monastery Central Hall: Gurus

INDIA, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh

This mural on the right side of the south wall in the central hall of Phyang Monastery was painted by the local artist Ganu. According to an inscription, the main figures are Chosje Damma Kunga, the founder of Phyang Monastery, and Rinchen Namgyal Chodak Gyaltsen, the 18th Drikung Kagyu lineage holder.
Both gurus have golden skin and peaceful facial expressions. They sit in full lotus position on lotus thrones, wearing red robes and the ritual hat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. Chosje Damma Kunga forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. He sits below an arch decorated with scrolling vines and auspicious creatures, flanked by two standing disciples holding scriptures. Rinchen Namgyal Chodak Gyaltsen forms a mudra and holds a scripture. His nimbus is surrounded by red clouds. The disciple standing on the left holds a monk’s staff and an alms bowl, and the disciple on the right holds a scripture.