# Murals on Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries

Tibetan Monasteries are known for their rich culture and traditions, which are deeply rooted in the teachings of Buddhism. One of the most important aspects of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries is the presence of ritualistic places, which are dedicated to various deities.
Vajrayana Buddhism had the right milieu of iconography which satisfied social need for super natural mysticism and monastic practices. To a commoner it was a means to drive off evil spirits and bring good luck and at monastic level, a medium of meditation. Thangkas presenting Buddha, Gurus, Yantras, Mandalas, purported to bring good luck and all virtues of health, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, and peace.
The art and iconography in thangkas has a universal appeal to the common household as well as monks and monasteries. The commoner look up on the religious imagery for safeguarding the home, purifying village, protecting the crops and animals, curing the sick, and guiding the souls of ancestors to safety. At shrines it is a part of monastic practices.
Thangkas are colorful pictorial representation of religious iconography, fables, and philosophy. The pictorial presentations helped them gain popularity among masses during its introduction in around 8th century. These thangkas were painted on fabric which could be rolled. Such portability helped Buddhist monks carry them from one place to other while propagating religion. Thangkas as medium of propagation of ideology, spread from Nepal to Tibet and then to far off places like Mongolia.

## List of Murals

Murals serve as visual representations of Buddhist teachings, stories, and deities. They acquaint the followers with glimpses of Buddhist tenets, pantheon, teachings, history, folklore, religious and cosmic objects.

### Religious and Cosmic objects

Murals as objects of devotion inspire reverence and devotion towards the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and deities depicted in the artwork. Monasteries show several cosmic charts, mandalas and paitings of Vajrayana practices.

### Educational Tools

These artworks play a crucial role in teaching Buddhist principles and stories. They visually depict the life of the historical Buddha, important events in Buddhist history, and complex philosophical concepts.

### Lineages

Murals depict lineage masters, enlightened teachers, and spiritual gurus.

### Symbolism and Iconography

The intricate details, colors, and symbols used in murals carry deep meanings. They convey spiritual concepts, qualities, and attributes associated with the depicted deities.

## Buddhist deities

Buddhist Deities
1. Buddha Shakyamuni: The historical Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha, is often depicted at the center of murals. He represents the enlightened state and serves as the embodiment of wisdom, compassion, and liberation.
2. Buddha Families : The Buddha families are five symbolic groups that represent different aspects of enlightened qualities. Each family is associated with a specific Buddha, color, element, wisdom aspect, and afflicted emotion. In the vajrayana iconography, visualization of Buddha in five forms is called Dhyani Buddha. Buddha images are created with Vairocana at the center and Amitabha (Yodpame) in West, Akshobhya (Mitrugpa) in East, Amoghasidhi (Donyen Dondrup) in North, and Ratnasambhava (Rinchen Jungney) in South.
* Vairochana (white): Associated with the element of space and represents the wisdom of all-encompassing consciousness. It transforms the afflicted emotion of ignorance into the wisdom of reality.
* Akshobhya (blue): Associated with the element of water and represents mirror-like wisdom. It transforms the afflicted emotion of anger and aggression into mirror-like wisdom that reflects things as they are.
* Ratnasambhava (yellow): Associated with the element of earth and represents the wisdom of equanimity and richness. It transforms the afflicted emotion of pride into the wisdom of equanimity.
* Amitabha (red): Associated with the element of fire and represents discriminating wisdom. It transforms the afflicted emotion of attachment and desire into discriminating wisdom that sees the true nature of phenomena.
* Amoghasiddhi (green): Associated with the element of air or wind and represents all-accomplishing wisdom. It transforms the afflicted emotion of jealousy into the wisdom that accomplishes all actions.
These Buddha families are depicted in murals to represent the full spectrum of enlightened qualities and to inspire practitioners to cultivate and embody these qualities in their own spiritual journey.
2. Bodhisattvas: Bodhisattvas are compassionate beings who have attained advanced levels of realization but choose to postpone their own enlightenment to help sentient beings. Avalokiteshvara (the embodiment of compassion), Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom), and Vajrapani (the embodiment of power) are among the most revered bodhisattvas depicted in murals.
3. Green Tara: Green Tara is a female bodhisattva associated with compassion and swift assistance. She is depicted with one leg extended, ready to spring into action to aid sentient beings.
Tara is typically depicted in a seated posture, with one leg extended and the other folded in a meditative position. She is often portrayed with a green complexion, although she can also appear in white, red, or other colors, each representing different aspects of her enlightened qualities. Tara is depicted with multiple arms, which symbolize her ability to engage in various compassionate activities. Each of her hands holds a specific symbolic object or makes a unique gesture (mudra).
4. Medicine Buddha: The Medicine Buddha, also known as Bhaiṣajyaguru, is a celestial Buddha associated with healing and the alleviation of suffering. He is often depicted in a deep blue color, holding a bowl of healing nectar.
5. Wrathful Deities: Wrathful Deities are Protectors, or Dharmapalas, are revered in various schools of Tibetan Buddhism as powerful entities tasked with guarding the Dharma and its practitioners. They are often depicted in wrathful forms, symbolizing their fierce commitment to protecting the teachings of the Buddha and assisting practitioners on their path to enlightenment.
Mahakala, also known as the Great Black One, is a fierce and powerful deity associated with protection, overcoming obstacles, and the removal of negative forces. He is often depicted with a dark blue or black complexion, adorned with a crown of skulls and wearing a necklace of severed heads. Yamantaka, also known as the Destroyer of Death, is a wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. He is depicted with a fearsome appearance, often depicted with multiple heads, arms, and legs.
Directional Guardians : Dharmapalas, the fierce deities that ward off evil were also conceived with respect to directions. Accordingly, Vajrayana conceived Kuvera (Namthose) of North, Dhritarashtra (Yulkorsung) of East, Virudhka (Phagchepo) of South, and Virupaksha (Chenmigzang) of West. To make pictorial representation more vivid, these deities are associated with colour and characteristics. The fierce deities are associated with non-human forms making them aggressive as protectors.
* Virupaksha-West
* Dhritarashtra-East
* Virudhaka-South
* Vaisravana-North
* Dorje Legpa- Kungri Monastery
* Raula at Kungri Rahula
* Vajrapani at tamzhing Lahkang, Bhutan
* Vajrakila - Hemis Monastery
* Vajra Vidharana - Wrathful Deity

## Dakinis

Dakinis are female celestial beings associated with wisdom, spiritual guidance, and transformation. They are depicted in various forms, often dancing or flying in dynamic poses. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are numerous Dakinis, each associated with specific practices, qualities, and functions.

### Vajrayogini

Often depicted in a wrathful form, she is associated with the Chöd practice and is considered a fierce emanation of enlightened wisdom.

### Kurukulle

Known as the Red Tara, she is associated with magnetizing activities, enchantment, and subjugating obstacles. Kurukulle is often invoked for love and relationship practices.

### Tara

Tara is often considered a Bodhisattva, certain forms of Tara are also revered as Dakinis. Green Tara, in particular, is widely venerated for her compassion and swift assistance.

### Simhamukha

A Dakini associated with the lion-headed wisdom deity, she is often invoked for protection and dispelling obstacles.

### Nairatmya

Also known as the Selfless One, Nairatmya is a Wisdom Dakini who represents the emptiness aspect of reality. She is associated with the Chakrasamvara tantra.

### Troma Nagmo

(Wrathful Black Varahi): She is a wrathful emanation of Vajravarahi, associated with the Chöd practice and the cutting through of ego.

### Vajravārāhī

Also known as the Diamond Sow, she is a Dakini associated with the transformative power of compassion and is often linked with the Chakrasamvara tantra.

### Machig Labdrön

Is a historical figure and revered teacher, Machig Labdrön is often considered a Dakini. She is the founder of the Chöd practice and is associated with compassionate activities.

### Dorje Shugden

is depicted as a wrathful deity, riding a snow lion and holding a sword and a wish-fulfilling jewel.

### Palden Lhamo

is a fierce protectress and the only female among the eight major Dharmapalas. She is widely revered across the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the principal protectress of Tibet itself. Palden Lhamo is typically depicted riding a mule over a sea of blood, with a mane of flaming hair, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to protecting the Dharma.

### Ekajati

(Ralchigma): She is a protector of the Dzogchen teachings and is known for her single eye, single tooth, and single breast. Ekajati is a powerful guardian against distractions and breaches of tantric commitments.

### Tsiu Marpo

Originally a worldly god, Tsiu Marpo was subjugated by Padmasambhava and now serves as a protector of the teachings, particularly associated with the Nyingma school.

### Setrap

Is a protector associated with the Gelug school, Setrap is an emanation of Amitabha and is often depicted in a wrathful aspect, riding a red horse.

### Gyalpo Sum

Refers to a group of four protector deities who were bound by Padmasambhava to protect the Dharma. They include spirits of the cardinal directions and are often invoked together.
* Palden Lahmo
* Dakini- Kurukulla Yogini
* Nagpo Champo
* Senge-dongma
* Ekajati
* Citipati - Guardian of Charnnel ground
* White Tara-Eshe Tsogyal
* Dorze Shugden
* Simhamukha- Senge Dongma (Tibetan)
It is important to note that the Dakini pantheon is extensive, and the names and qualities associated with Dakinis can vary across different Tibetan Buddhist traditions and lineages. Dakinis play diverse roles, embodying wisdom, compassion, and transformative energy to guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

## Mandalas

Mandalas are intricate geometric designs that represent the universe and serve as sacred spaces for meditation and visualization. Mandalas, with their profound symbolism and multifaceted themes, offer a rich tapestry for meditation, reflection, and spiritual exploration. They remind us of the complexity of the universe and our place within it, guiding us towards greater awareness and understanding.
They are often depicted in murals, showcasing the intricate details and symbolism associated with tantric practices. Mandalas are used as tools for concentration, visualization, and spiritual transformation.

### Cosmology and Universe

Many mandalas represent the structure of the universe and cosmic order. They can depict the world mountain at the center, surrounded by continents, oceans, and mountains, symbolizing the Buddhist or Hindu cosmos.

### Sacred geometry

The geometric patterns in mandalas, such as circles, squares, and triangles, are symbolic and hold specific meanings. Circles represent wholeness and unity; squares can symbolize the earthly realm, stability, and balance; while triangles often stand for the trinity of deity, enlightenment, and the universe, or for elements like fire and water depending on their orientation.

### Embodiment of deities

In Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas often serve as abodes for specific deities. Each section of the mandala houses different deities and symbols, representing the qualities and teachings associated with those beings. Practitioners use these mandalas to invoke the deities, embody their qualities, and receive blessings.

### Nature and environment

Some mandalas incorporate elements of nature, such as flowers, animals, and celestial bodies, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the natural world's sacredness.

### Ritual Mandalas

Mandalas serve as focal points for meditation, guiding the practitioner into deeper states of awareness and concentration. The act of creating a mandala, especially sand mandalas, is itself considered a meditative and healing ritual, symbolizing impermanence and the cycle of life.

### Healing Mandalas

Certain mandalas are used for protection against evil spirits or negative energies. They are believed to have healing properties, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing by harmonizing the environment and the individual's energy.
* Akshyobhya mandala
* Chenrezig - Avalokiteshwara Mandala
* Opakme- Amitabha Mandala
* Chakrasamvara Mandala
* Nako Monastery Frescos
* Hayagriva Mandala
* Buddhist Universe Meru with directional deities
* Tibetan Buddhist Prayer chart
* Turtle divination chart, Punakha Dzong Monastery, Bhutan
* Wheel of Life