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This example is centered on Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419), the founding teacher of the Geluk Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Hierarchical arrangement as well as the scale of the figures indicate their importance and precedence in the lineage transmission of teachings.
To honor this assembly, devotees depicted at the lower left offer precious gifts to the gathering displayed and imagined before them.
Field of Accumulation of Merit (Tsokshin) of the Geluk Tradition with Tsongkhapa
OriginCentral Tibet
Dateca. late 18th - early 19th century
Dimensions41 1/8 × 27 3/8 in. (estimated)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation
Object numberF1997.41.7
Himalayan Art Resources Number571
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/geluk-refuge-field-with-tsongkhapa/
DescriptionDepictions that included all the deities associated with the practices specific to a distinct Buddhist transmission lineage—from the source of the teachings to the most prominent masters who taught the practices—developed into a particular type of painting compositions known as a Field of Accumulation of Merit (tsokshin), Three of Refuge (tsokshing), also translated as Merit Tree. Such paintings would be the focus of devotional practices for monastics and lay people.This example is centered on Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357-1419), the founding teacher of the Geluk Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Hierarchical arrangement as well as the scale of the figures indicate their importance and precedence in the lineage transmission of teachings.
To honor this assembly, devotees depicted at the lower left offer precious gifts to the gathering displayed and imagined before them.
Not on view
19th century
early 20th century
19th century
16th century
ca. 1415-1435
19th century
ca. 13th-14th century
ca. 13th-14th century
16th century
ca. 1659-1671
15th century