Guru Je Tsongkhapa Statue

 Guru Je Tsongkhapa

This beautiful statue depicts Je Tsongkhapa. Je Tsongkhapa is thought to be a manifestation of Manjushri, the nature of all the Buddhas' wisdom; Gyaltsabje a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the nature of all the Buddhas' compassion; and Khadrubje a manifestation of Vajrapani, the nature of all the Buddhas' power.

Je Tsongkhapa was the holder of all three old Kadam lineages that were passed down from Atisha through Dromtonpa. He performed an extensive retreat on Atisha's Lamrim teachings at Reting Monastery, where he received visions of Atisha, Dromtonpa, and other Lamrim lineage Gurus. With the help of these Gurus and the Wisdom Bodhisattva Manjushri, with whom he conversed directly, Je Tsongkhapa wrote several famous texts, including his Great Exposition of the Stages of the Path. Three lineages have descended from Je Tsongkhapa, and these are known as "New Kadam Lineages"; all three are still practiced today.

Je Tsongkhapa's appearance in Tibet is believed to have been prophesied by Buddha Shakyamuni. He lived in Tibet from 1357 to 1419 AD, where he appeared in the aspect of an ordinary practitioner, although he was an enlightened being. He demonstrated a perfect example of how to build the foundation for the spiritual path, how to progress on that path, and how to complete it. By giving teachings and showing a good example, he led many disciples to gain pure, authentic realizations of the Buddha's teachings. It is believed that even today, faithful practitioners who follow Je Tsongkhapa's pure Dharma can accomplish enlightenment within a single lifetime.

Gestures and Attributes

Guru Tsongkhapa wears the robes of ordained persons, signifying that he has completed the perfection of moral discipline; he also wears yellow long-eared hats, signifying that they have completed the perfection of wisdom. His lotus throne signifies their complete purity of body and mind.

Je Tsongkhapa holds his two hands at the level of his heart, in the gesture of turning the Wheel of Dharma, indicating that he can dispel the ignorance of sentient beings by giving teachings. He holds the stems of upala flowers, which support a wisdom sword and a scripture of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in Eight Thousand Lines. These signify that he principally teaches the Madhyamika-Prasangika view explained in the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras (symbolized by the scripture) by means of his omniscient wisdom (symbolized by the sword), motivated by love and compassion (symbolized by the two flowers).

The right hands of the two Sons are at the level of their hearts in the gesture of expounding Dharma, and their left hands are in the gesture of meditation holding scriptures, signifying that Guru Tsongkhapa's doctrine will spread throughout the word.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite statue beautifully embodies the revered Guru Je Tsongkhapa. Meticulously crafted from copper alloy using the lost wax method and adorned with a layer of 24 karat gold, the statue showcases fine hand carving and delicate face painting. Originating from the skilled hands of master artisans in Patan, Nepal, of the esteemed Shakya clan, recognized as among the world's finest, this sculpture represents the continuation of a centuries-old tradition in sacred artistry. The craftsmen, modern heirs to their forebears, have inherited and perfected the fine metalworking techniques passed down through generations since ancient times.