The Eight Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava

At the top of the painting can be seen the red hued Amitabha, who is said to be Padmasambhava's spiritual father. Sitting close to the large central figure of Padmasambhava are his two consorts, the Indian princess Mandarva on the left and the Tibetan queen Yeshe Tsogyal on the right.

Padmasambhava has many forms, including an important set of eight which are frequently represented in Tantric art. First, there is simply the form shown in the center, wearing his characteristic cap with earflaps, which is topped by an eagle feather symbolizing his high spiritual flight.

To the left of Amitabha sits the next manifestation as Guru Shakya Senge (lion of the Shakyas). In this form he appears in the way that the Buddha is himself depicted - holding a begging bowl and golden yellow in complexion. This emphasizes the fact that Padmasambhava is often described as a 'second Buddha.'

To Amitabha's right is a blue Padmasambhava in intimate physical union with his consort Mandarva.

Next in anticlockwise direction are the following manifestations of Padmasambhava:

Suryaprabha holding a khatavanga.

Loden Chogse, the proclaimer of wisdom.

The wrathful Dorje Drolo, riding a pregnant tigress. In this form Padmasambhava appeared, flying on this mount, in Bhutan where he landed in the monastery of Takshang, known as the Tiger's nest, that holds to a cliff high above the city of Paro (see image below).

The Tiger's Nest (Bhutan)

At the same level as Dorje Drolo, to the right, stands a second wrathful manifestation, known as Senge Dadog. This signifies Padmasambhava's status as a Dharampala, celebrating his subjugation of the many native deities of Tibet, bringing them into the fold of Buddhism.

Lastly, above him (anticlockwise) is Padma Raja, playing a damaru and holding a mirror, which reflects our karma.

Click Here to View the Thangka Painting along with its Brocade

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