Description
Handmade Tshongkhapa Statue Set | Spiritual Altar Piece
This Handmade Tsongkhapa Statue Set includes three finely crafted figures: Tsongkhapa, Je Khedrup, and Je Gyaltsab. The Tsongkhapa statue measures 11.8”/30cm in height and 8.7”/22cm at the base. Both Je Khedrup and Je Gyaltsab measure 10”/25.5cm in height and 7.7”/19.5cm at the base. The total weight of the set is 8.87 kg. Made from 24K Gold Gilded, Gold & Acrylic Paintings, and a Copper Body, this set is a remarkable representation of the Gelug tradition, expertly handcrafted by skilled Nepali artisans.
Tsongkhapa, the great philosopher and founder of the Gelug school, is portrayed in deep meditation performing the Dharmachakra Mudra—the gesture of teaching—with both hands held at his chest. From his hands rise two lotus stalks: atop the left lotus is a flaming sword, symbolizing the penetrating clarity of wisdom that cuts through ignorance; atop the right lotus rests the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra, representing the perfection of wisdom and the foundation of his teachings. Besides him are his devoted disciples. Je Gyaltsab and Je Khedrup are depicted performing the Vitarka Mudra, the gesture of discussion and reasoning, emphasizing their role as transmitters of the Dharma. Each holds a scripture, signifying their dedication to preserving and disseminating Tsongkhapa’s profound insights. This exquisite set captures the essence of wisdom, lineage, and the continuity of enlightened knowledge.
Tsongkhapa Size: 11.8”/30cm (Height) x 8.7”/22cm (Base)
Je Khedrup Size: 10”/25.5cm (Height) x 7.7”/19.5cm (Base)
Je Gyaltsab Size: 10”/25.5cm (Height) x 7.7”/19.5cm (Base)
Total Weight: 8.87 kg
Material: 24K Gold Gilded, Gold & Acrylic Paintings, Copper Body
Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) is a well-known Tibetan religious philosopher. A devout monk, Tsongkhapa undertook the challenging task of compiling and studying all the Indian Buddhist classics available in Tibet during his time. In his iconic form, wearing a tall yellow hat, he is the center of the Gelugpa sect that was dominant in Tibet until the Chinese takeover in 1951, and whose de facto leader is the Dalai Lama.
Gyaltsab Je was Lama Tsongkhapa's most famous student. He oversaw the building of Gaden Monastery (established by Lama Tsongkhapa) and was named its second monk after Tsongkhapa. After Lama Tsongkhapa's death, he became the Gaden Tripa, or "holder of the Gaden Throne," the head of the Gelug tradition.
Khedrup Je was a prolific author, writing fifty-eight treatises and numerous prayer books. His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, uses an essential scripture on Kalachakra as the foundation for his Kalachakra Tantra empowerments.