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Tsakli,
Dorje Legpa Buryat
Mongol, Late 18th/Early 19th Century
Mineral Pigment on Fabric
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This depicts another
tsakli with complex iconography. Dorje Legpa is one of the three Protectors
of the Nyingma Order, the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism which dates
from the 8th century. In this particular emanation, he is known as the
"dark blacksmith" and is recognized as an "oath bound
protective deity." His right hand holds the vajra-hammer, representing
the pulverization of vow breakers and protection against dualistic rationale.
In his left hand he holds a tiger skin bellows with which he blows all
enemies into dust. He is shown here on his mount or vehicle, a goat
with intertwined horns. These horns symbolize non-duality and the binding
together of relative and absolute truths.
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