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Four Mandalas of the Guhyasamaja Cycle

16th century
Not on view
Mandalas serve as visualizations of the Buddhist cosmos. Celestial palaces for divine beings exist within them, represented here in two-dimensional form. Tibetan monasteries are likewise conceived as three-dimensional mandalas. Residing in this four-fold mandala are the esoteric Buddhist deity Gukyasamaja (a form of Akshobya), Vairochana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi—the five transcendent Buddhas embodying supreme wisdom. Together they command the universe, harnessing enlightenment qualities to aid those seeking true knowledge. Meditation upon this cosmic map aids those journeying on that path.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Four Mandalas of the Guhyasamaja Cycle
  • Date: 16th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper and ink on cloth
  • Dimensions: 32 3/4 x 28 in. (83.2 x 71.1 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Doris Rubin, in memory of Harry Rubin, 1989
  • Object Number: 1989.236.8
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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