*Published "Mandala" Denise Leidy and Robert Thurman, Asia Society

Tsongkapa (founder of Ganden monstery), surrounded by his two main disciples: Gyaltsab to his right, and Khedrup to his left (known as Je Yabse sum: father and sons in the Gelugpa tradition) Bottom left corner: Yama Bottom Center: 6-arms Mahakala Bottom Right: Panden Lhamo LKR-12/98

The Lama Je Tsongkapa is central typically with his main students Kedrup and Gyaltsab. Above in a miniaturized panel is a depiction of the celestial realm of Maitreya, the Buddha To Be preaching to the ancient Indian sage Asanga. Tsongkapa is literally tapping into this scene out of time and space through the cloud like psychic "cords" rising from him and piercing the very heart of Maitreya in the heavens.

M. Mokotoff 4-98

LORD TSONGKHAPA (1357-1419): founder of the Gelugpa School, emanating from the heart of the bodhisattva Maitreya.

"From the heart of the Lord of the hundred gods of Tushita, on the peak of a cloud, bright white like a mound of fresh yogurt, Lord of Dharma, Omniscient Lobzang Drakpa, together with sons; please come here." (Gelugpa liturgical verse).

In the appearance of a monastic scholar with a yellow pandita hat and the orange patchwork robes of a fully ordained monk he performs with both hands the mudra of Dharma teaching at the heart while holding the stems of two lotus flowers blossoming at both ears supporting on the right a wisdom sword and at the left a book. With the two legs folded in vajra posture he sits upon a moon disc and pink lotus seat surrounded by an ornate gold nimbus of wishing jewels and rainbow spheres. At the front, to the right and left of a begging bowl, sit the two close disciples of Je Rinpoche, Gyaltsap Dharma Rinchen (1364-1432) and Kedrup Geleg Pal Zangpo (1385-1438). Both wear monastic robes and yellow hats each holding a book in the left hand while the right hands assume postures of explication of the teachings. Emanating from the heart of the bodhisattva Maitreya, dwelling in the Tushita heaven above, all three are seated atop a great white bank of billowing clouds.

Seated in a western style with the legs in front Maitreya is flanked on both sides with Dipamkara Atisha to the left and Tsongkhapa to the right. The heaven is lavish with ornate buildings and scenic landscapes, populated by bodhisattvas, saints and heavenly gods.

At the bottom center, standing against a churning ocean, samsara, is the Great Black One with Six Hands, Sadbhuja Mahakala, an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, blue-black in colour, wrathful and surrounded by flames. To the right is Magzor Gyalmo, wrathful Sarasvati, riding a mule. On the left is the protector Yama Dharmaraja, blue-black in colour, with the head of a buffalo, holding a bone stick and lasso. Embraced by the consort Chamundi he rides on the back of a blue buffalo; surrounded by flame.

Born in the Amdo region of Eastern Tibet Lobsang Trakpa (Tsongkhapa) received novice monks vows from the fourth Karmapa Rolpa’i Dorje. Travelling to Central Tibet he studied with Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma masters showing a special fondness for the Sutrayana teachings of Jowo Atsiha from the earlier Kadampa Tradition. With the founding of Ganden monastery and a following of numerous students the Gelukpa School was born.

Jeff Watt 9-98