The Three Protectors of Tibet

Three bodhisattvas attain great prominence in the Perfection of Wisdom literature, which focuses on the idea that all apparent objects are actually empty of material substance; this philosophy defines the Second Revolution of the Buddhist Wheel. Left to right, they are yellow Manjushri wielding his flaming sword of wisdom, white Avalokiteshvara with his top right arm holding the lotus of compassion, and blue Vajrapani holding aloft the golden thunderbolt (vajra) of power. The Three Protectors of Tibet was the last major work created by Tsherin Sherpa in the traditional mode of his early training. Two of his contemporary paintings appear elsewhere in this exhibition.