Skip to main content
One of the scenes in the painting (center left) shows a practitioner performing a transference of consciousness (powa) for someone who is deceased. His consciousness is sent directly to the pure realm of Buddha Amitabha, thus ensuring the person’s better future.
Padmasambhava
OriginEastern Tibet
Date19th century
Dimensions36 1/2 x 28 3/4 x 1 5/8 in. (92.7 x 73 x 4.1 cm)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object numberC2006.66.440
Himalayan Art Resources Number897
DescriptionThis painting illustrates a practice from one of the Buddhist master Padmasambhava’s teachings, recorded when he brought Buddhism to Tibet. He is said to have hidden the teaching like a treasure, and it was discovered ten centuries later. With this practice it is possible to eliminate all obstacles and receive all accomplishments, including those that prevent a good rebirth. One of the scenes in the painting (center left) shows a practitioner performing a transference of consciousness (powa) for someone who is deceased. His consciousness is sent directly to the pure realm of Buddha Amitabha, thus ensuring the person’s better future.
Not on view
19th century
early 20th century
19th century
17th century
15th century
18th century
19th century