Thangka of Guru Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche

This intricately detailed thangka painting is a devotional tribute to the radiant transmission of Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche's teachings. He is a beloved guru depicted here with serene confidence and compassionate authority.

Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche at the Center

At the core of this celestial assembly is the revered Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche of Larung Gar, radiating with deep red-orange robes and performing the Dharmachakra Mudra. He is surrounded by a halo of golden light and blooming lotus flowers as this image beautifully captures both the historical master and the living essence of enlightened traits. His expression is calm yet authoritative, serving as a gentle reminder to practitioners about the deep connection between teacher, deity, and the nature of the mind.

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas At the Top

At the very top of the thangka sit three primary enlightened figures, each forming the apex of a vertical stream of awakened presence:

1. Amitābha Buddha (Top Left)

He is glowing in a deep shade of red while he sits peacefully in meditation. His hands rests in the Dhyāna Mudra. As the Buddha of infinite light and the guardian of the western pure land, he embodies the compassionate essence of the past. Beneath him, there are two other Buddhas:

• Shakyamuni: the historical Buddha of our time, who represents enlightened action in the present
• Maitreya: the future Buddha, symbolizing the ongoing flow of compassion and wisdom throughout the ages.

2. Samantabhadra (Top Center)

The primordial Buddha of the Nyingma tradition, Samantabhadra, is depicted as a serene sky-blue figure, free of adornments, sitting in a harmonious embrace with his consort. His bare form represents the pure, unconditioned essence of the mind, transcending all dualities. As the personification of timeless awareness, he embodies the ever-present source of all enlightenment. Below him, two other deities accompany the scene:

• Vajradhara: The tantric Buddha, who holds the vajra and bell in a beautiful union. He symbolizes the inseparability of bliss and emptiness. This figure is regarded as the ultimate source of the Vajrayana teachings.

• Vajrasattva: The divine figure associated with purification and clear awareness, celebrated for their ability to dissolve karmic blockages and help restore the integrity of one’s commitments.

3. Avalokiteśvara (Chenrezig) (on Top Right)

Avalokiteśvara, or Chenrezig embodies the essence of infinite compassion as a Bodhisattva. With his four arms, he gracefully holds a lotus flower, a mala (prayer beads), and holds Cintamani with his two hands, making the Anjali Mudra. His gaze is filled with warmth and kindness, reaching out to all beings. Below him stand two mighty Bodhisattvas, adding to the powerful presence of this compassionate figure.

• Manjushri: the youthful golden Bodhisattva of transcendent wisdom, wielding a flaming sword that slices through ignorance.

• Vajrapāṇi: the fierce guardian of the Dharma, bursting with dynamic energy and unwavering determination. This enlightened force is all about clearing away any obstacles in its path!

Holders of Wisdom: The Rooted Lineage

Two concentric tiers encircle the central figure—portraits of great lineage masters, treasure revealers, and tantric yogis. Recognizable among them:

• Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) seated in royal ease with khatvanga.

• Yeshe Tsogyal, the dakini consort, holding a vase.

• Patrul Rinpoche, with a humble and serene expression.

• Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche, maintaining the unbroken link of instruction.

Their placement signifies continuity, from the original transmissions of India and Oddiyana to their flourishing in Tibet.

Yidams of Realization: The Inner Mandala

Encircling the master are Yidam deities—meditational archetypes that symbolize awakened mind in wrathful and peaceful forms. Featured are:

• Vajrakīlaya, blue-black and wrathful, destroying ego-obstacles.

• Hayagrīva, fierce red with a horse’s neigh erupting from his head, clearing diseases and hindrances.

• Vajrayoginī, crimson dakini, dancing in union with the void.

• Kurukullā, the magnetizing goddess of red enchantment.

These figures represent the inner tantric path—transmutation of emotions into wisdom.

Guardians of the Path: Protectors Below

At the thangka’s base are fierce Dharma Protectors, painted with energetic movement and vivid flames:

• Ekajatī, the single-eyed, one-breasted dakini, guarding the Dzogchen teachings.

• Rahula, the serpent-bodied celestial eclipse deity.

• Dorje Lekpa, holding a vajra club and wearing armor, guardian of vows.

• King Gesar, cultural hero-deity of Tibet, riding into battle with dharma banners.

These beings shield practitioners from inner and outer obstacles, anchoring the painting’s protective force.

A Living Tree of Transmission

This thangka is a vibrant artform that embodies lineage, devotion, and a state of awakening. From the Buddhas at the top to the protectors at the bottom, every detail reflects the sacred structure of the Vajrayana path: the teacher, the method, and the perspective. For those who practice, this artwork serves as a reflection of their awakened state and a haven of blessings.