Material: Cloth. Printing. Scroll. (Shakyamuni)

Size: Approximately 122 x 83 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama (often called **Shakya Thubpa** in Tibetan, meaning "the saint of the Shakya clan") is regarded as the founder and core figure of Buddhism. He is the current Buddha among the "Three Buddhas of the Past, Present and Future", representing the ultimate symbol of enlightenment, wisdom and compassion. His meaning and origin have their own unique interpretations in Tibetan Buddhism, integrating the teachings of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism. The following is a brief description:

The significance of Shakyamuni in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Model of enlightenment**:

- Shakyamuni is regarded as the historical Buddha, who attained the supreme enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India around the 6th century BC. Through his own practice, he transcended reincarnation and suffering and became a role model for all living beings to practice.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, he is not only a historical figure, but also regarded as the incarnation of the "Dharmakaya Buddha", the embodiment of the cosmic truth (Dharmatā).

2. **Symbol of compassion and wisdom**:

- Shakyamuni represents boundless compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajñā). He teaches sentient beings how to escape from the sea of ​​suffering and achieve nirvana through the teachings of the Eightfold Path, the Four Noble Truths, etc.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, he is considered to be the "Sambhogakaya" and "Nirmākāya" incarnated for the purpose of saving sentient beings, in order to adapt to the roots and needs of different sentient beings.

3. **The source of Tibetan Buddhist teachings**:

- Tibetan Buddhism believes that the teachings taught by Shakyamuni are the foundation of all exoteric (classical teachings) and esoteric (Vajrayana) schools. Exoteric Buddhism emphasizes cause and effect, precepts and bodhicitta, while esoteric Buddhism believes that Shakyamuni taught secret teachings (such as Vajrayana teachings) to specific disciples in a secret way.

- For example, some traditions of Tibetan Buddhism (such as the Nyingma school) believe that Sakyamuni taught the Dzogchen and other advanced esoteric teachings in the form of "Vairocana Buddha".

4. **The manifestation of the three bodies of Buddha**:

- Tibetan Buddhism interprets Sakyamuni based on the theory of the "three bodies" (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya):

- **Dharmakaya** (Dharmakaya): Sakyamuni's essence is the universal truth, formless and omnipresent.

- **Sambhogakaya** (Sambhogakaya): He teaches high-level bodhisattvas in the Pure Land in a radiant body.

- **Nirmanakāya** (Nirmanakāya): He appeared in the human world in the form of Prince Siddhartha, demonstrating the process of birth, aging, sickness, death and enlightenment.

### The origin of Sakyamuni in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **The fusion of history and legend**:

- According to the records of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakyamuni was originally Prince Siddhartha of Kapilavastu, born into the Sakya clan. He became a monk at the age of 29, attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya at the age of 35, and then taught for 49 years until he passed away at the age of 80.

- Tibetan Buddhist literature (such as "The History of Buddhism by Buton") combines the life of Sakyamuni with mythology, believing that he had developed bodhicitta countless kalpas ago, accumulated merits, and finally manifested as a Buddha in the world.

2. **The inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism**:

- Sakyamuni's teachings were introduced to Tibet via India, starting around the 7th century AD, and were laid down by Padmasambhava, Śāntarakṣita and others.

- The four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) all revere Sakyamuni as their fundamental teacher, and have developed unique practices based on his teachings, such as tantric visualization, mantra chanting, and deity yoga.

3. **Images in Art and Rituals**:

- In Tibetan Buddhist thangkas, sculptures and temples, Sakyamuni is often depicted as a golden or yellow body, sitting cross-legged, holding a bowl in his left hand and touching the ground with his right hand (the mudra of subduing demons), symbolizing enlightenment and the subjugation of demons.

- Tibetan Buddhist festivals, such as Vesak Day (commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha), are important moments for believers to pay homage to Sakyamuni.

Differences from other Buddhist traditions

- Compared with Southern Buddhism (Theravada), which emphasizes the historicity of Sakyamuni, Tibetan Buddhism pays more attention to his sacredness and multiple manifestations, incorporating the cosmology of Tantra.

- Compared with Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the connection between Sakyamuni and other Buddhas (such as Amitabha and Vajrasattva), and regards him as part of the work of all Buddhas.

Conclusion

In Tibetan Buddhism, Sakyamuni is the ultimate symbol of enlightenment, combining compassion, wisdom and teachings. His teachings are the foundation of Tibetan Buddhism's exoteric and esoteric practices. Through the interweaving of history and mythology, he has become the fundamental teacher who guides all beings to liberation. His image and teachings are ubiquitous in Tibetan Buddhist rituals, art, and philosophy, and have profoundly influenced Tibetan culture and spiritual life.

Sakyamuni (printed thangka in cloth frame)