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Treasure revealers articulate their personal relationships with the legendary Indian master Padmasambhava in their writings. Having a karmic connection allows them to tap into memories of past lives and, with the power of their devotion and practice, discover concealed teachings. In his autobiography Jigme Lingpa recalls receiving a vision in a dream. He experienced a visionary journey to the Bodhnath Stupa in Nepal, where a dakini, a tantric goddess, identified him as the reincarnation of King Tri Songdetsen (742–ca. 800) and entrusted him with a treasure-bearing casket. This discovery became the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse, one of the most influential treasure teachings practiced to this day.
Jikme Lingpa (1729-1798)
OriginTibet
Date18th - 19th century
Dimensions8 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 4 3/8 in.
MediumMetal alloy
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2002.29.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65159
DescriptionThis portrait of the Buddhist master and scholar shows him dressed in a garment of a Tibetan lay person seated on a cushion with a slightly askew posture. His lined face is distinct, with big ears, a goatee, and hair in a top knot. These elements show him as a human rather than an idealized version of a teacher, suggesting that this sculpture might have been created during his lifetime or by someone who knew him. Jigme Lingpa is famous for his visionary experiences and writings that are important in the Ancient (Nyingma) and the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is considered a great “treasure revealer” ( terton). Treasure revealers articulate their personal relationships with the legendary Indian master Padmasambhava in their writings. Having a karmic connection allows them to tap into memories of past lives and, with the power of their devotion and practice, discover concealed teachings. In his autobiography Jigme Lingpa recalls receiving a vision in a dream. He experienced a visionary journey to the Bodhnath Stupa in Nepal, where a dakini, a tantric goddess, identified him as the reincarnation of King Tri Songdetsen (742–ca. 800) and entrusted him with a treasure-bearing casket. This discovery became the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse, one of the most influential treasure teachings practiced to this day.
On view
18th century
early 18th century
dated no later than 1635
19th century
18th century
late 18th century
19th century
late 19th century
19th century
15th century
19th century