Mahamudra – a golden thangka

This portrait of a Buddhist teacher depicts a figure clad in monastic robes. He wears a five-point crown, associated with the Five Great Buddhas. Arms crossed, he holds a ceremonial drum and a bell. His head and body are enveloped by aureoles, indicating high spiritual stature. Above the figure of the teacher dominates Adi-Buddha Vajradhara, with his arms folded, wielding thunderbolts. He is surrounded by Buddhist teachers from the Gelugpa school in the upper section of the painting and flanked by monks bringing votive gifts. The bottom section of the painting features several fierce gods – Dharmapala Yama with a bull’s head, a Six-Armed Mahakala and Kubera riding a lion.