Tsongkhapa

paint on textile
Mongolia, late 19th cent.
10,5 x 9 cm.

In the center sits Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa-tradition (early 15th cent.), together with his two most important followers, Gedündub and Khedubje.

Above left sits Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, and right Buddha Sakyamuni. Left and right of Tsongkhapa, Manjushri, the bodhisattva of Wisdom, and the Green Tara, while below the four most important protective deities (Dharmapalas)of the Gelugpa-tradition: Vajrabhairava, Palden Lhamo, Yama, and Begtse.
On the backside, in very careful Tibetan script, dedication-mantras (Om Ah Hum), and two longer mantras: Om Ah Ku Ru Bajra Dha Ra Su Ma Ti Ki’ Rti Si Byid, and: Om A Ra Pa Cha Na Hum.