061
The Benefactor, Hayagriva ("Horse-Necked One")
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
29.75 x 45.0 inches
Central Tibet
Ca. 18th century
Indeterminate style
Hayagriva ("Horse-necked" one), characterized
by the green horse's head in his hair, is a fierce manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
The horse's neigh cuts through false attachments, revealing the reality
of enlightenment. Hayagriva's anger, directed at the causes of suffering,
results from the compassion he feels for his afflicted devotees. The red-capped
monks at the top, and Rahula at the lower right, indicate that this painting
belongs to the Nyingma tradition. Depicted as part human, part snake, his
belly marked with a gaping face, and his body covered with eyes, Rahula
is the personification of the eclipse.
Chaya Chandrasekhar
Museum #: 94.002
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1062