Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
King Songtsen Gampo
Tibet was unified under Songtsen Gampo (r 629-49). Together with his two wives, he is
credited with introducing Buddhism to the country early in the 7th century. He has a mous-
tache and wears a white turban with a tiny red Öpagme poking out of the top. He is
flanked by Princess Wencheng Konjo, his Chinese wife, on the left, and Princess Bhrikuti,
his Nepali wife, on his right.
King Trisong Detsen
The founder of Samye Monastery (r 755-97) is normally seen in a trio of kings with
Songtsen Gampo and King Ralpachen (r 817-35). He is regarded as a manifestation of
Jampelyang and so holds a scripture on a lotus in the crook of his left arm and a sword of
wisdom in his right. He resembles Songtsen Gampo but without the buddha in his turban.
Milarepa
A great 11th-century Tibetan magician and poet, Milarepa (c 1040-1123) is believed to
have attained enlightenment in the course of one lifetime. He became an alchemist in order
to poison an uncle who had stolen his family's lands and then spent six years meditating in
a cave in repentance. During this time he wore nothing but a cotton robe and so became
known as Milarepa (Cotton-Clad Mila). Most images of Milarepa depict him smiling, sit-
ting on an antelope skin, wearing a red meditation belt and holding his hand to his ear as
he sings. He may also be depicted as green because he lived for many years on a diet of
nettles.
