Shakyamuni Buddha (Tibetan: san gye sha kya tu pa) surrounded by Lamas of the Gelugpa School.

Sanskrit: Buddha Shakyamuni Tibetan: Sang gye sha kya tu pa

In the traditional appearance of a buddha, Shakyamuni is gold coloured with the blue-black hair in small tufts and a large crown protuberance adorned with a gold ornament. The right hand is extended across the knee with the fingertips touching the earth - in the earth witness mudra (gesture). The left hand is placed in the lap in the mudra of meditation. Wearing the robes of a monk he sits in vajra posture on a moon disc and multi-coloured lotus above an ornate lion supported throne emanating a blue and green nimbus and areola encircled by a band of ornate gold studded with wishing jewels.

At the top center is the primordial buddha Vajradhara with the hands folded across the heart holding a vajra and bell; seated in vajra posture above a pink lotus. At the left is a teacher of Tsongkapa, Umapa Tsondru Sengge. Wearing monastic robes and an orange hat he performs the mudra of blessing with the right hand and holds a vase in the lap with the left; seated in vajra posture. At the right is the founder of the Gelulpa School Je Tsongkapa (1357-1419) performing the mudra of Dharma Teaching while holding the stems of two lotus flowers with the blossoms supporting a sword and book; in vajra posture. At the mid-left is the youthful bodhisattva Maitreya, wearing jewels and silks, performing the Dharma Teaching mudra along with two lotus blossoms supporting a Dharma Wheel and vase; seated in a western style with the legs pendant. At the right is the bodhisattva Manjushri, with jewels and silks, performing the Dharma Teaching mudra, the two lotus blossoms support a sword and book; seated in a western style on an ornate throne.

At the bottom center is the root guru Puntsog Gyatso performing the mudra of giving fearlessness with the right hand and holding a black begging bowl in the lap with the left. Wearing the attire of a monk he sits on the special monk's mat atop ornate brocade cushions. To the left is Panchen Gongma, performing the Dharma Teaching mudra, wearing monks robes and a hat. To the right is the 7th Dalai Lama, Lobzang Kalsang Gyatso (1708-1757), with the right hand in the mudra of blessing and the left holding a vase in the lap, wearing monastic robes and a hat.

The painting style is called 'tsal thang.' On a red (vermilion) background the painting is executed with fine gold line and coloured pigments added for various detailing such as the face, mouth, eyes and hair. The name of each lama is written in fine gold lettering beneath each seat on a blue background.

Jeff Watt 9-98