Refuge Tree Thangka

Refuge Tree Thangka Collection – Sacred Lineage Visualization Art

The Refuge Tree Thangka holds a central place in Tibetan Buddhist practice, serving as a vivid visual representation of the spiritual lineage and sources of refuge. These intricate paintings depict the assembly of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, lineage masters, protectors, and dakas/dakinis arranged in a sacred tree form, reminding practitioners of their connectedness to the teachings and enlightened beings.

What Is a Refuge Tree?

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Refuge Tree symbolizes the entire spiritual lineage and the Three Jewels — Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — along with powerful protectors and meditational deities. Practitioners visualize the Refuge Tree during prayers and empowerments to deepen their connection with their teachers and the Dharma.

Featured Elements in Refuge Trees

• Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha at the pinnacle.

• Lineage Gurus: Root and branch lineage masters of the practitioner's tradition.

• Protectors and Deities: Wrathful and peaceful beings that guard the teachings.

• Supporting Figures: Bodhisattvas, dakinis, and other enlightened beings.

In this collection we have: 

• Nyingma Refuge Tree (Longchen Nyingtik Tradition) Thangka

  • Features Guru Padmasambhava at the center, surrounded by lineage masters, yidams, dakas/dakinis, Dharma protectors, and the three roots.
    

• Kagyu Refuge Tree (Karma Kagyu Tradition) Thangka

  • Typically depicts the tree with Vajradhara at the top, surrounded by the Karmapa lineage, Milarepa, Marpa, Gampopa, and others.
    

• Sakya Refuge Tree Thangka

  • Contains figures from the Sakya school including Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, and Lamdre lineage holders.

• Gelug Refuge Tree (Tsongkhapa Lineage) Thangka

  • Central figure is Je Tsongkhapa, with lineage masters, yidams, and protectors like Palden Lhamo and Mahakala.

• Terma Lineage Refuge Tree

  • May emphasize treasure revealers (Tertöns) and their revealed deities and practices, such as Dudjom or Chokling traditions.

• General Refuge Tree Thangka (Non-Sectarian/Nying-Jé Style)

  • A non-sectarian presentation with the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and all Three Roots visualized in a structured tree.

  • Suitable for general practitioners and as a visual teaching aid.

Why Choose a Refuge Tree Thangka?

• Spiritual Focus: A Refuge Tree Thangka serves as a powerful visualization aid during prayers, retreats, and empowerment ceremonies.

• Lineage Connection: It visually encapsulates the entire lineage and inspires practitioners to deepen their devotion and practice.

• Artistic and Cultural Value: Each piece is a handcrafted masterpiece created with natural mineral pigments and 24K gold details on traditional cotton canvas.

• Ideal Gift: These thangkas make meaningful gifts for practitioners, teachers, and spiritual friends.