011
The Teacher, Padmasambhava ("Lotus-Born") and His Eight Forms
Thangka, painting Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased
(collagen) binder exterior 27.5 x 49.75 inches
interior 23.5 x 34.25 inches
Indeterminate region Ca. 19th century
Folk tradition
Padmasambhava, the central figure, is an emanation of the Buddha Amit
abha. He introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and is the primary teacher
of the Nyingma sect. At the suggestion of Shantarakshita, he was invited
to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen in ca. 715 to subdue the local spirits obstructing
the introduction of Buddhism. Using phur-pa (ceremonial "tent-stake")
rituals, Padmasambhava convinced the local spirits to become protectors
of the Dharma (Dharmapalas). Each of his eight forms represent an obstacle
he overcame through his powers.
Ariana Maki
Eight Manifestations of Padmasambhava Essay
Museum #: 93.011
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1001