- Title
- Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, 8th century)
- Date Made
- 17th century
- Medium
- Ivory
- Dimensions
- 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 in. (13.97 x 8.89 x 5.08 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.83.218.3
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche [Precious Teacher]) was a Buddhist master from Uddayana (modern Udiana) in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. He founded Tibet’s first monastery, the Samye Monastery near Lhasa, which was built between 787 and 791. According to the Blue Annals (completed in 1476), he was summoned to Samye to quell local spirits who were thwarting the new faith. Through awesome demonstrations of his powers, he subdued these gods and drew them into the service of Buddhism.
Padmasambhava is typically depicted with a distinctive peaked lotus hat, reflective of Gandharan origins, and wearing a monk’s robe. He is frequently scowling to convey his fierce determination in overcoming obstacles and ignorance. He holds a thunderbolt (vajra) and a ritual skull cup (kapala). He sits in the meditation posture (padma asana).
See also M.81.183.1, M.86.281, M.86.338.1, AC1994.117.2, AC1997.244.1, and M.2005.154.7.
- Selected Bibliography
- Little, Stephen, Tushara Bindu Gude, Karina Romero Blanco, Silvia Seligson, Marco Antonio Karam. Las Huellas de Buda. Ciudad de México : Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, 2018.
- Little, Stephen, and Tushara Bindu Gude. Realms of the Dharma: Buddhist Art across Asia. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2025.
