Karma Pakshi Thangka (The Kagyu Protector Mandala)

The Story in the Details

• Dimensions: 75 x 55 cm
• Sacred Materials: Genuine 24K Gold, Hand-Ground Mineral Pigments, Cotton Canvas
• Hand-Painted In: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
• Artistic Tradition: Karma Gadri Influence with detailed miniature work
• Framing: Unframed (Standard size for easy framing)
• A Unique Creation: Original, one-of-a-kind devotional painting.

Iconography: A Visual Dharma Teaching

This painting depicts the famous Karma Pakshi Guru Yoga Mandala, visually mapping the hierarchy of enlightened beings.

Central Deity: Karma Pakshi (The 2nd Karmapa)

• Visual Form: 
  The Mahasiddha sits in the centre with deep maroon skin, sporting his signature goatee beard.
• The Stance: 
  He sits atop a wrathful red triangle (dharmodaya) and lotus. 
  His right hand raises a golden Vajra to the sky, while his left presses the earth.
• Hidden Detail: 
  Beneath his left armpit, the tiny blue face of Mahakala peeks out, visually representing his command over the protectors.

The Upper Realm: The Lineage Source

• Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche):
   Seated directly above Karma Pakshi, he is connected by a rainbow cord, symbolising the direct transmission of energy. 
  He holds the vase of immortality.
• Jetsun Milarepa (Top Left): 
  The yogi in white cotton robes holds his hand to his ear in the gesture of singing realisation songs (Dohas).
• Rechungpa (Top Right): 
  Milarepa’s disciple sits on a cloud bank holding a Vajra and Bell, wearing the white robes of the Repa tradition.

The Middle Realm: The Yidams (Meditation Deities)

• Hayagriva (Middle Left): 
  The red "Horse-Necked One" stands surrounded by flames. 
  A small green horse head emerges from his hair, and he holds a skeletal club (khatvanga).
• Vajravarahi (Middle Right): 
  The red "Diamond Sow" dances on a corpse. 
  She holds a curved flaying knife, with a distinct sow's head emerging from her right temple.

The Lower Realm: The Protectors

• Mahakala Bernakchen (Bottom Centre): 
  The central protector is engulfed in wisdom fire. He is recognised by his heavy Black Cloak, holding a chopper and skull cup.
• Gyalpo Pehar (Bottom Left): 
  This blue spirit-king rides a white horse. 
  He possesses three eyes and four arms, brandishing a sword and a lasso while traversing the clouds.
• Dra Lha Kye Chigbu (Bottom Right): 
  The red warrior spirit rides a brown mule. Clad in armor, he holds a victory banner and a mongoose-bag.

The Living Landscape of the Mind

The deity resides within a sacred environment that mirrors the nature of the enlightened mind.

• Composition: 
  The background features open green landscapes and stylized cloud formations, allowing the vibrant red and blue deities to stand out sharply.
• Realms: 
  The composition uses vertical space to separate the celestial teachers (top) from the wrathful protectors (bottom), grounded by the earth element.

A Legacy of Devotion in Every Brushstroke 

This piece is a work of living history, imbued with the devotion of its creator.

• Artistry: 
  The artist uses pure 24K gold to outline the robes and ritual implements, creating a shimmering effect that changes with the light.
• Detail: 
  Note the intricate miniature faces of the lineage masters, each painted with single-hair brushes to capture their distinct expressions.

A Sacred Tool for Your Path

• Visual Focus: 
  Ideal for practitioners of the Karma Kagyu tradition, serving as the support for the Karma Pakshi Guru Yoga visualisation.
• Atmosphere: 
  The dynamic colors and wrathful imagery provide a powerful energy to dispel lethargy and negativity in a room.