Eight Manifestations of the Teacher Padmasambhava / Guru Rinpoche Thangka, Tibet, 19th century, gouache on cotton with original blue and crimson silk surrounds, thangka 32 x 22 inches, and 49 x 27 inches including surrounds, in a cherry wood frame 61 x 37 inches, central image of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the 8th century founder of Tibetan Buddhism, in a relaxed pose, in colorful garb heavily adorned atop lotus base, Amitayus Buddha at top center and lama at bottom center, bottom corners with consorts Yeshe Tsogyal and Mandarava, the remaining figures are the eight primary manifestations, all of which represent a form that helps the practitioner make realizations about his or her own nature. Himalayan Art Resources number 90501.