In the upper left we begin with the historical Buddha of our era, Shakyamuni. Continuing right are the Five Tathagatas: Ratnasambava, Akshobya, Vairocana, Amitaba and Amoghasiddhi: Celestial Buddhas beyond time and ever accessable. Along the right are the blue Medicine Buddha Bhaisajyaguru, then Maitreya the Buddha To Be is seated western style his attributes the vase of nectar and lotus hover in gold at his shoulders. Manjushri holds aloft his sword of wisdom that cleaves the clouds of ignorance. 4 Armed White Chenrezi(Sadaksari Avalokiteshvara)is the masculine reflex of the compassionate goddess Tara. Finally the donor of the painting is shown making an offering of a flower to Tara. Below Shakyamuni on the left is another Tara, then red clad Guru Rinpoche, and White Vajrasattva. Vajrapani, the Bodhisattva of Power and Protector of the Buddhas' secrets completes the triad of Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara (Wisdom, Compassion and Power). And in the lowest corner the living lama is shown making offerings in 8 bowls with 4 torma cakes.

M. Mokotoff 4-98