A SET OF NINE THANGKAS OF PADMASAMBHAVA, QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY | 清十八至十九世紀 蓮花生大師唐卡一組九幅

This set of thangkas portrays nine different lives depicting the legendary Indian pandita Padmasambhava. Known as Guru Rinpoche to Tibetans, and by many other names which reflect his multiple forms, Padmasambhava is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet. In the 8th century, the Indian abbot Shantarakshita and the Tibetan chögyal or dharma king Trisong Detsen invited the tantrika Padmasambhava to make the arduous journey to Tibet.

Along the way, he encountered and subdued the many local spirits, gods and goddesses and bound them by oath as sworn protectors and protectresses of Buddhism in Tibet. Upon his arrival in Ü province, Padmasambhava subdued the local spirits hindering the construction of Tibet's first monastery, Samye.