# @rubinmuseum on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DChXpdduDKi
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/29170721-rubinmuseum-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fac62ef541.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-11-18T17:39:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art (@rubinmuseum) — https://gondola.cc/rubinmuseum

## Caption

Today is the parinirvana anniversary of the great master Atisha Dipaṃkara Shrijnana (982–1054) the eleventh-century Indian Buddhist scholar and master from Bengal. Affectionately known as Jowo Je to Tibetans, he came to Tibet at the invitation of the king of western Tibet, Lha Lama Yeshe Wo, and his nephew, Jangchub Wo.
 
His arrival initiated the period of the second transmission of Buddhism to Tibet, a formative time for the Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Atisha's most celebrated text, Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, became the source of the lamrim tradition, or graduated stages of the path to enlightenment.
 
There are many folk stories and local oral traditions associated with Atisha’s visit to Tibet. One of the most well-known stories is the kidnapping of Yeshe Wo. Yeshe Wo was abducted by an ardently anti-Buddhist Qarlug Mongol ruler while collecting gold to invite Atisha from India. The Mongolian demanded a ransom of all the wealth intended to be offered to Atisha, but Yeshe Wo told Jangchub Wo to leave him to his fate, as it was far more important for Atisha to be brought to Tibet. Jangchub Wo went ahead with his mission to invite Atisha while Yeshe Wo died in prison.
 
This sculpture depicts Atisha wearing a hat of a scholar (pandita’s hat), his usual attribute. His robes do not appear to be that of an Indian monk—the collared vest is a standard part of Tibetan monks’ robes. Atisha’s posture has a barely noticeable relaxed lean to the right with his head slightly raised. The expression on his face, painted in golden pigment, is thoughtful, gazing forward—apt for a teacher giving a discourse, as indicated by his hands held in a teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra).
 
______
Atisha (982–1054); Tibet; ca. 18th–19th century; wood, pigments, lacquer; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin; C2013.12.6 (HAR 1119)
 
#Atisha #Parinirvana #GreatMasters #TibetanBuddhism #HimalayanArt #RubinMuseum

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 306
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 2

## Tags

greatmasters, rubinmuseum, parinirvana, himalayanart, atisha, tibetanbuddhism

---
Copyright (c) Gondola