20
Apr
2020
Explaining Lama Teacher Jamgon Kongtrul
Jamgon Kongtrul is known as Jamgon Kongtrul the Great, was a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, poet, artist, physician, terton, and polymath.
He was one of the most prominent Tibetan Buddhists of the 19th century.
Table of Contents
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 Tibet. 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 Buddha Vajradhara. Now we are going to learn about depicting lama teacher primordial Buddha Vajradhara.
Depicting Lama Teacher Jamgon Kongtrul Thangka
The thangka of Jamgon Kongtrul is from Tibet. It was made in between 1800 AD to 1899 AD. It is from Kagyu and Buddhist lineage. The base of the painting is ground mineral pigment on cotton. Presently, this painting is in the Rubin Museum of Art.
By depicting this thangka, we will learn about the presentation of lama teacher Jamgon Kongtrul with Primordial Buddha Vajradhara, Five Deity Jinasagara Avalokiteshvara, Shadbhuja Mahakala, 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 Dakini, Padmasambhava, 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 Prajnaparamita.
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 Karma Lineage. This Masterpiece Thangka Art is still preserved and kept in the Rubin Museum of Art.
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 mudra of Dharma Teaching which is symbolizing an eight-spoked wheel. Jamgon Kongtrul is held in the fingers of both hands are the stems of two lotus flowers blossoming above each shoulder. The right supports an upright blue sword of wisdom atop a Prajnaparamita book and on the left a golden vase.
The two feet of the Jamgon Kongtrul is placed in vajra posture with the right over left. Attired in the orange and red robes of a monk 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 brocade cushion, he is seated above a low throne 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 landscape rises at the right side.
The table in front supports a Damaru hand drum, vajra, bell, and a gold bowl. 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 Shechen Monastery and later associated with Palpung Monastery of the Tai Situ Panchen.
Amongst his numerous teachers was the 14th Karmapa Thegchog Dorje. He was also involved in recognizing and instructing the 15th Karmapa Kakyab Dorje. Along with his main teacher Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.
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 Vajrakilaya.
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 Shakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava, Chaturbhuja Mahakala, and Shri Devi, 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 White Tara.
Shakyamuni Buddha
Shakyamuni 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 Heruka 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 Nyingma 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 Vajrayogini-Varahi. 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 Kalaratri and the left is drawn in on black Bhairava. 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.
8 Auspicious Symbol Mandala
8 Auspicious Symbol Mandala is handpainted in Kathmandu Nepal. Om is in the center of mandala in the double Dorje symbol.
