015
Bromdon Chorje (d.1064)
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
19.75 x 29.5 inches
Central Tibet
Ca. 16th or 17th century
Indeterminate style
The ordained layman Bromdon was the principle Tibetan disciple of Atisha
(d.1057) who initiated the second propagation of Buddhism in Tibet. Bromdon,
the main figure of the painting, founded the Kadam sect, the first of the
"new" schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The fierce Achala appears above
Bromdon and is also connected with Atisha who is himself represented in
the upper left corner. In the lower right corner is a form of Mahakala,
the "great protector" of Buddhism, who was also introduced into
Tibet by Atisha. The buildings may represent the Ratreng Monastery founded
by Bromdon in 1057.
Tom Suchan
Museum #: 97.085
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1005