Tsongkapa, founder of the Gelug order (Gelugpa)

Unknown

Buddhist hanging scroll painting (thangka) of Tsongkapa, founder of the Gelug order (Gelugpa), painted by an unknown artist in colours on cotton, Tibet, 19th century. The central figure, Tsongkapa, is flanked by his two disciples, Gyaltsab Je and Khedrubje. The future Buddha, Maitreya, is seated at the top of the painting, with Atisha, founder of the Kadam order (Kadampa), to the left and Tsongkapa to the right. The saviour goddess Tara, in her white manifestation, is in the centre at the bottom; the bull-headed lord of death, Yama, strikes a fierce pose at bottom left; and the fierce Palden Lhamo rides her wild mule at bottom right.