Sachen Kunga Nyingpo Thangka (The Great Sakyapa)

Thangka Specification

• Dimensions:  75 x 50 cm 
• Sacred Materials: Genuine 24K Gold, Hand-Ground Mineral Pigments, Cotton Canvas
• Hand-Painted In: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
• Artistic Tradition: Menri Style with extensive Gold-on-Red detailing
• A Unique Creation: Original, one-of-a-kind devotional painting.
• Consecration: Available on request

Iconography: A Visual Dharma Teaching 

Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158) serves as the central guide. 
As the first of the Five Founding Masters of the Sakya school, he embodies the stability of the awakened mind.

• Sacred Form: 
  He appears as the "Wise Elder" with a receding hairline and white hair, signifying a lifetime of spiritual maturity rather than idealized youth.
• Attributes: 
  A lotus blossoms over his left shoulder supporting a Sword and Book. 
  These identify him as a human emanation of Manjushri, representing the wisdom that cuts through ignorance.
• Posture: 
  Seated on a Lion Throne (symbolizing fearlessness), his hands perform the Bhumisparsha (earth-touching)
   and lotus-holding gestures, grounding his realization in the physical world.

The Sacred Assembly 

This thangka presents a rare convergence of Sakya and Gelug masters, forming a complete mandala of lineage blessings.

The Primordial Axis

• Upper Middle: Vajradhara 
  The deep blue Primordial Buddha holds the Vajra and Bell crossed at his heart, symbolizing the ultimate union of method and wisdom from which all Tantra flows.
• Lower Middle: Dandapani 
  The blue wrathful protector stands amidst flames, wielding a club to avert obstacles and guard the practitioner’s spiritual progress.

The Upper Realm: Mahasiddhas & Deities

• Upper Left: Mahasiddha Saraha 
  The arrow-holding yogi representing non-dual awareness. 
  His intense gaze and arrow symbolize the mind stripped of distraction.
• Upper Right: Hevajra 
  The principal Sakya yidam. 
  Blue in color with 16 arms holding skull cups, he embraces his consort, signifying the transformative power of the "Path and Result" (Lamdre).

The Lineage of Masters (Left Side)

• Upper Left (Low): Dromtönpa 
  The layman founder of the Kadam school. 
  Distinguished by long dark hair and rich robes, he holds a scripture, representing the preservation of Atisha’s teachings.
• Lower Left (Upper): Je Tsongkhapa 
  The "Yellow Hat" founder and Manjushri emanation. 
  He holds the Sword and Book on lotuses, representing the unification of Sutra and Tantra.
• Lower Left (Lower): Gyaltsab Je 
  Tsongkhapa’s successor and Regent. 
  He mirrors his master’s posture but without the sword/book, symbolizing his role as the devoted upholder of the lineage.

The Lineage of Masters (Right Side)

• Upper Right (Low): Gyalwa Ensapa 
  The white-haired hermit. Holding a golden Vajra and skull cup, this elderly yogi represents enlightenment achieved in a single lifetime through solitary retreat.
• Lower Right (Upper): Jowo Je Atisha 
  The great Indian scholar holding a begging bowl and making the gesture of generosity. He represents the pure source of the Kadam lineage brought from India.
• Lower Right (Lower): Khedrup Je 
  Tsongkhapa’s younger heart-son, identified by his goatee and intense expression. He represents the spirited defense and dissemination of the Gelug philosophy.

The Living Landscape of the Mind 

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

• Background Style: 
  The vibrant red background illuminated with fine gold line work creates a magnetizing atmosphere of power and compassion.
• Symbolic Elements: 
  Swirling clouds and golden peonies frame the figures, representing the blossoming of wisdom that occurs when the conditions of practice are met.

A Legacy of Devotion in Every Brushstroke (Artisan Mastery) 

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

• Artistic Lineage: 
  Painted by a master of the Menri tradition, known for precise portraiture that captures the unique character of each historical figure.
• Craftsmanship: 
  The lavish use of 24K gold on the robes and thrones transforms the painting into an offering of light.

A Sacred Tool for Your Path (Applications & Blessing)

• For Meditation: 
  Use this thangka to cultivate Discriminative Wisdom. 
  The assembly of scholars and yogis supports the harmonization of intellect and deep meditation.
• The Heart-Mantra: 
  Chanting Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi (Manjushri’s mantra) while viewing the central figure invokes the sharp sword of insight.
• A Final Blessing: 
  May this thangka be a constant guide, filling your home with light and your heart with the profound peace of the masters.