Portrait of the Monk Ngorchen and His Successor München

Shown together on a lotus base, these two monks make eye contact and hold their hands in gestures of discourse. They are rendered nearly identically, the student (right), having fully mastered the subtle lessons of the teacher (left), their images a perfect expression of the transmission of doctrine from master to pupil. Contemporary observers would have known that both predecessor and successor were enlightened, as confirmed by the halos around their heads, the auspicious symbols (mangala) surrounding the scene, a lengthy lineage wrapping around three sides, and the tantric deities and protectors along the base. An elite workshop executed the painting, and no expense was spared in its creation, from the extensive use of gold in the clothing to the vibrant pigments.