Further Deities & Figures

Tibetan Buddhism has a rich world of deities, bodhisattvas and protector deities. Behind it lies a carefully considered system: each deity embodies a particular quality of the awakened mind. Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom. He bears a flaming sword that cuts through ignorance and a lotus flower on which the book of wisdom rests.

Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, is the bodhisattva of compassion and is regarded as the patron of Tibet. The Dalai Lama is revered as his emanation. One of his best-known forms has a thousand arms, a symbol of his ability to help all beings at once. His mantra is Om Mani Padme Hum. Vajrapani is the bodhisattva of determination. He often appears in wrathful form, a vajra raised in his hand, as an expression of unshakeable clarity.

There are also many other figures: protector deities, dharmapalas and historical masters such as Guru Rinpoche, who played a key role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet, and Milarepa, the great poet and yogi. Our deities and figures are handcrafted by Tibetan artisans in the Himalayas with iconographic accuracy, so no two are exactly alike. If you are looking for a particular deity, we are happy to advise you personally.