Tangka, as a carrier of Tibetan Buddhist art, has a complex and rigorous system of deities, mainly divided into categories such as Buddha, Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva, Protector, and Tara. The following are the names, image features, and symbolic meanings of common deities in thangka.
🙏I. Buddha Figures
- Shakyamuni Buddha
- Appearance: Left hand in meditation mudra (dhyana mudra), right hand in earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra), seated in lotus position on a lotus throne.
- Symbolism: Perfect wisdom and compassionate salvation, representing harmony and worldly stability.
- Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru)
- Appearance: Blue body, left hand holding a medicine bowl, right hand holding Terminalia chebula fruit (resembling barley).
- Symbolism: Dispelling misfortune, prolonging life, and healing illnesses; protector of present-world well-being.
- Amitabha Buddha
- Symbolism: Guiding beings to the Western Pure Land, symbolizing eternal liberation and boundless light.
🌸 II. Bodhisattvas
- Manjushri
- Appearance: Holds a wisdom sword (cutting ignorance) and Prajnaparamita scripture (wisdom), often rides a lion.
- Symbolism: Great wisdom and rationality, dispelling delusion, enlightening sentient beings.
- Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara
- Appearance: Four arms—main palms joined, others holding prayer beads and lotus.
- Symbolism: Great compassion and salvation, representing the “compassion” aspect of the Three Protectors of Tibet.
- Vajrapani
- Appearance: Blue body, wrathful form, holding a vajra (destroying afflictions).
- Symbolism: Fierce Dharma protector, subduing evil forces; embodies “power.”
⚔️ III. Yidams (Meditational Deities) & Protectors
- Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava)
- Appearance: Nine heads, thirty-four arms, sixteen legs; embracing consort; trampling demons.
- Symbolism: Subduer of death and evil, combining “terrifying power” (destroying negativity) and “great virtue” (protecting goodness).
- Palden Lhamo (Shri Devi)
- Appearance: Blue wrathful form, riding a mule across a sea of blood; holds a kapala (skull cup) and trident.
- Symbolism: Warlike deity governing life/death and plagues; punishes evil, protects virtue.
- Mahakala
- Appearance: Four arms holding a chopper, trident, kapala; trampling a Hindu deity.
- Symbolism: Protector of activities; subdues inner demons; symbolizes “success in endeavors.”
- Chakrasamvara
- Appearance: Embracing consort Vajravarahi; standing posture; crown adorned with crossed vajra.
- Symbolism: Highest yoga tantra deity; union of “great bliss” and “emptiness.”
🕊️ IV. Taras & Female Deities
- Green Tara
- Appearance: Green body, youthful form; right hand in boon-granting mudra, left hand holding a lotus.
- Symbolism: Chief of the Twenty-One Taras; rescues from dangers; enhances wisdom and merit.
- White Tara
- Appearance: White body with seven eyes (on forehead, palms, soles); holds a lotus.
- Symbolism: Longevity, healing illnesses; perceives all suffering.
- Dakini
- Appearance: Red body holding a chopper and kapala; dancing while trampling demons.
- Symbolism: Embodies emptiness wisdom; protects tantric practitioners.
💰 V. Wealth Deities & Others
- Vaishravana (Jambhala)
- Appearance: Golden armor, riding a snow lion; left hand holds a mongoose vomiting jewels, right hand holds a victory banner.
- Symbolism: Guardian of worldly wealth; abundance and prosperity.
- Yellow Jambhala
- Appearance: Yellow body holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and jewel-spitting mongoose.
- Symbolism: Chief of the Five Wealth Deities; dispels poverty, accumulates merit.
- Garuda
- Appearance: Human body with bird’s head; devouring poisonous serpents; holds a Dharma wheel.
- Symbolism: Subdues nagas (causing diseases of earth/water/fire/wind); removes obstacles.
📚 VI. Lineage Masters & Historical Figures
- Padmasambhava: Holds vajra and kapala; symbolizes subjugation of Tibetan spirits; founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Tsongkhapa: Monk in yellow hat, teaching mudra; represents Gelug school doctrines and wisdom in debate.
Structural Notes：
Thangka deity arrangements follow a “Three Realms, Six Categories” system:
Upper Realm: Lineage masters and Buddhas/Bodhisattvas (e.g., Vajradhara);
Central Realm: Primary meditational deities (e.g., Mahakala, Chakrasamvara);
Lower Realm: Protectors and local guardians (e.g., Four Heavenly Kings, mountain spirits).
This hierarchy symbolizes refuge in the “Three Jewels” (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), conveying the complete stages of tantric practice through deity groupings. For detailed iconographic references, consult specialized literature or monastic murals.