# @rubinmuseum on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DEupvz6va9b
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/29170413-rubinmuseum-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4cef4fd056.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-01-12T14:30:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art (@rubinmuseum) — https://gondola.cc/rubinmuseum

## Caption

"Even when faced with mounting challenges, 
virtuous persons still shine with their great qualities. 
Like a burning log facing downwards, 
yet blazing its flame upwards in great power." — Sakya Pandita

Today is the anniversary of #SakyaPandita, one of the forefathers of the Sakya tradition and one of the throne-holders of the Sakya Monastery. Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen, or Sapan as he is affectionately known to his Tibetan followers, is perhaps one of the most beloved Buddhist teachers and scholars throughout Tibet. His iconic work, Sakya Legshe, or the "Treasury of Good Advice," a famous collection of aphorisms, has been fundamental to the development of Tibetan culture and ethics.
 
This painting was part of a set, and it depicts Sakya Pandita (1182–1251) with Chogyal Pagpa, his nephew and successor, shown here at his right. The folk stories surrounding Sakya Pandita became an important part of Tibetan folk culture. One of these stories depicts the Mongol emperor Godan sending emissaries throughout Tibet to find the greatest Buddhist master. The emissaries found Sakya Pandita in the remote, humble Sakya Monastery, and took him to China forcefully, along with his nephews, Chogyal Pagpa and Drogon Chakna, to teach the emperor.
 
One of his major accomplishments was becoming the teacher of the Mongol court and saving Tibet from its brutal invasion. Due to this, for Tibetan followers, Sakya Pandita is an important example of how knowledge and wisdom can overcome political and military power.
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Sakya Pandita (1182–1251) and Chogyel Phakpa (1235–1280) with Mahakala Lineage Masters; central Tibet; 17th–18th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2006.66.23 (HAR 695)
 
#CogyelPhakpa #TibetanArt #TibetanBuddhism #RubinMuseum

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## Tags

rubinmuseum, sakyapandita, tibetanart, tibetanbuddhism, cogyelphakpa

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