Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Important Figures of Tibetan Buddhism
This is a brief iconographical guide to some of the gods and goddesses of the vast Tibetan
Buddhist pantheon, as well as to important historical figures. It is neither exhaustive nor
scholarly, but it may help you to recognise a few of the statues and murals you encounter
during your trip. Tibetan names are given first, with Sanskrit names provided in paren-
theses. (The exception is Sakya Thukpa, who is generally known by his Sanskrit name,
Sakyamuni.)
Buddhas
Sakyamuni (Sakya Thukpa)
Sakyamuni is the Historical Buddha (the Buddha of the Present Age), whose teachings set
in motion the Buddhist faith. In Tibetan-style representations he is always pictured sitting
cross-legged on a lotus-flower throne. His tight curled hair is dark blue and there is a halo
of enlightenment around his head. The Buddha is recognised by 32 marks on his body, in-
cluding a dot between his eyes, a bump on the top of his head, three folds of skin on his
neck and the Wheel of Law on the soles of his feet. In his left hand he holds a begging
bowl, and his right hand touches the earth in the 'witness'
mudra
(hand gesture). He is of-
ten flanked by his two principal disciples Sariputra and Maudgalyana.
Marmedze (Dipamkara)
The Past Buddha, Marmedze, came immediately before Sakyamuni and spent 100,000
years on earth. His hands are shown in the 'protection'
mudra
and he is often depicted in a
trinity with the Present and Future Buddhas, known as the
dusum sangay
.
Öpagme (Amitabha)
The Buddha of Infinite Light resides in the 'pure land of the west' (Dewachen in Tibetan,
or Sukhavati in Sanskrit). The Panchen Lama is considered a reincarnation of this buddha.
He is red, his hands are held together in his lap in a 'meditation'
mudra
and he holds a
begging bowl.
