This volume illustrates the scroll of Rtasamhara. It is the earliest known iconography of the Vajradhatu-mandala, probably drawn by Subhakara (637-735) himself. It bears his signatures at the end: the only signature of a master of Nalanda. He was an expert sculptor of images. It illustrates every deity in sambhoga-kaya, consort, dharmakaya and nirmanakaya form. The four forms have been placed alongside for clarity. In 1982 Roger Goepper was describing the dharani-mandala in the Sumtsek of Alchi. He was puzzled by its central group whose figures were all female. The Lamas had no due. He visited one for clarification. He was thrilled to find the precise identification in the Rtasamhara. What he had identified as `Buddha Ratnasambhavi in Female Form' was his consort Ratnavajrini (no.41 in the scroll). The parallel representation of the four forms was worked out for him and is being published after quarter of a century. It is a basic work for the correct identification of the deities of a mandala.

ISBN 13: 9788195096114

ISBN 10: 8195096115

Year: 2021

Language: ENGLISH

Pages etc.: 119p., (84)b/w illus., ind., 29cm.

Binding: Hardbound

Subject(s): Buddhism