Explaining Lama Teacher Jamgon Kongtrul

is known as Jamgon Kongtrul the Great, was a scholar, poet, , physician, terton, and polymath.

He was one of the most prominent of the 19th century.

 The life of the Jamgon Kongtrul

In this portion, we will learn about the life of the  Jamgon Kongtrul. After that, we will present the short etymological description of the Jamgon Kongtrul itself.

Etymology of Jamgon Kongtrul

Jamgon Kongtrul is known as jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha in . Jamgon Kongtrul is known as a central pillar of the Rime movement of 19th century Eastern Tibet.

Earlier, we studied the life of the primordial . Now we are going to learn about depicting teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara.

Depicting Lama Teacher Jamgon Kongtrul Thangka

The of Jamgon Kongtrul is from Tibet. It was made in between 1800  AD to 1899 AD. It is from and Buddhist lineage. The base of the is mineral pigment on . Presently, this painting is in the .

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about the presentation of lama teacher Jamgon Kongtrul with Primordial Buddha Vajradhara, Five Deity Jinasagara , Shadbhuja , etc.

Primordial Buddha Vajradhara

Primordial Buddha Vajradhara is at the top left of the Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka. Vajradhara is blue in color. Vajradhara is with one face and two hands crossed at the heart.

Five Deity Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara

Five Deity Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara is on the right side of the Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka. Avalokiteshvara is red in color. Avalokiteshvara is with four hands. Avalokiteshvara is surrounded by four retinue figures: Hayagriva, Guhya Jnana , , and Bernagchen Mahakala.

Shadbhuja Mahakala

Shadbhuja Mahakala is at the bottom left of the Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka. Shadnhuja Mahakala is with six hands.

Previously, we studied the life of the primordial Buddha Vajradhara depicting lama teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara. Now we are going to learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with .

Jamgon Kongtrul with Prajnaparamita Thangka

Jamgon Kongtrul with Prajnaparamita was painted around 1900-1999 AD. The size of this painting is 84.46×48.90cm. The base of the painting is cotton and the ground mineral pigment is used to color it. Jamgon Kongtrul belongs to Lineage. This Masterpiece is still preserved and kept in of .

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul.

Jamgon Kongtrul is having an elderly appearance. Jamgon Kongtrul has grey hair and a lined face. Jamgon Kongtrul has gazes to the side.

The two hands of the Jamgon Kongtrul are placed at the heart in the of which is symbolizing an eight-spoked wheel. Jamgon Kongtrul is held in the of both hands are the stems of two flowers blossoming above each shoulder. The right supports an upright blue sword of atop a Prajnaparamita book and on the left a golden vase.

The two feet of the Jamgon Kongtrul is placed in posture with the right over left. Attired in the orange and red robes of a and atop the head is a red Pandita hat with draping lappets.

Jamgon Kongtrul is adorned with three horizontal lines indicating the accomplishment of the three baskets of Buddhist learning the Tripitaka. On a cushion, he is seated above a low with an elaborate dragon head backrest adorned with wishing jewels.

Billowing blue and white clouds, green foliage, and flower blossoms frame the back. A lone tree stands at the top left and a mountain rises at the right side.

The table in front supports a hand , vajra, , and a gold . A flower vase sits at the lower left and a rock bench in the foreground displays neat rows of jewels and precious objects. Jamgon Kongtrul was originally a monk of the Nyingmapa and later associated with of the Tai .

Amongst his numerous teachers was the 14th Thegchog Dorje. He was also involved in recognizing and instructing the 15th Karmapa Kakyab Dorje. Along with his main teacher .

Previously, we studied the life of the primordial Buddha Vajradhara, depicting lama teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara, and presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with Prajnaparamita. Now we are going to learn about Jamgon Kongtrul with .

Jamgon Kongtrul with Vajrakilaya Thangka

This thangka is from Tibet. Jamgon Kongtrul with Vajrakilaya was painted around 1900-1959 AD.  The base of the painting is cotton and the ground mineral pigment is used to color it. Jamgon Kongtrul belongs to Karma, Kagyu, and Buddhist Lineage.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with different deities such as , Padmasambhava, Chaturbhuja Mahakala, and Shri , etc.

At the top center of the Jamgon Kongtrul, there is the presence of the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa Kakyab Dorje. At the middle left of the Jamgon Kongtrul, there is the presence of the meditational deity Vajrakilaya. On the right side of the Jamgon Kongtrul, there is the Presence of  .

Shakyamuni Buddha

Buddha is on the left side of the Jangon Kongtrul in the thangka. Shakyamuni Buddha is sited.

Padmasambhava

Padmasambhava is on the right side of the Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka.

Chaturbhuja Mahakala

Chaturbhuja Mahakalace is at the bottom left of the Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka.

Shri Devi

Shri Devi Dudsolma is on the right side of Jamgon Kongtrul in the thangka.

Previously, we studied the life of the primordial Buddha Vajradhara, depicting lama teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara,  presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with Prajnaparamita, and Jamgon Kongtrul with Vajrakilaya. Now we are going to learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with Chakrasamvara.

Jamgon Kongtrul with Heruka Chakrasamvara Thangka

This thangka is from Eastern Tibet. Jamgon Kongtrul with Heruka Chakrasamvara was painted around 1800-1899 AD.  The base of the painting is cotton and the ground mineral pigment is used to color it. Jamgon Kongtrul belongs to Kagyu Lineage. This thangka is from a private collection.

By depicting this thangka, we will learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with  Vajravarahi.

Jamgon Kongtrul is depicted with white hair indicating that the painting was commissioned late in life. The two hands at the heart perform a teaching gesture, grasping the stems of two flower blossoms supporting above the shoulder. On the proper right, a sword and book, and on the left a vase that is placed in the sash of the lower garment is a Purbu.

Heruka Chakrasamvara is at the top of the thangka. Herula Chakrasamvara is embracing -. Jamgon Kongtrul was surrounded by the red flames of pristine awareness. Chakrasamvara is blue in color.

The right foot of the Jamgon Kongtrul is extended pressing on red and the left is drawn in on black .  Jamgon Kongtrul is with one face and two hands. Jamgon Kongtrul has three eyes.

The right-hand of the Jamgon Kongtrul holds a vajra. And the left hands of the Jamgon Kongtrul holds a bell. Jamgon Kongtrul is with a crown of five dry human heads as a crown. And Jamgon Kongtrul is adorned with the six bone ornaments.

Vajravarahi

Vajravarahi is red in color with one face and two hands. The right-hand holds a curved knife pointed to the ten directions. The left holds a skullcup filled with the five nectars and embraces the Father.

Previously, we studied the life of the primordial Buddha Vajradhara, depicting lama teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara,  presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with Prajnaparamita, and Jamgon Kongtrul with Vajrakilaya. Finally we learn about the presentation of Jamgon Kongtrul with Heruka Chakrasamvara.

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About sadiksha

Namaste! I am a Nepali Art Dealer specialized in Mandala and Thangka paintings. I love to write articles about the monastic culture of the Himalayas.

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