Lineage Tree


Edition
Length

Image Sizes

Paper/Canvas Sizes
100
40"x52.5"
44"x57"
500
18"x23.5"24"x30"
Open
7.1"x9.3"8.5"x12"
Artist: Unknown
Release of Edition: 17 June 2006
Medium: Limited Edition Giclee Prints
Material: Matte UV-protected Canvas or 255gsm Somerset Velvet Rag Paper, Ultrachrome Ink
Markings: Embossed with the MiMa Publishers stamp and numbered
Certificate of Authenticity: Available on request




detail of max.size at 1:1

18"x23.5" Enlargement:

(At 72dpi this enlargement is only one tenth of the resolution of the print on paper. Added to that, it's a compressed jpeg, so the resulting image on the screen only hints at the clarity and detail of the print.)


Lineage Tree

The Karmapas are a line of successive teachers acknowledged as the first lineage of reincarnating lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. The main seat of the Karmapa is Tsurpu Monastery, north-west of Lhasa, and the specific tradition is known as the Kamtsang Kagyu (Karma Kagyu). Rangjung Dorje (3rd) recognized himself as the rebirth of Dusum Kyenpa and postumously named Dusum Kyenpa and Karma Pakshi as the 1st and 2nd Karmapas. According to the history of the Karma Kagyu tradition the fifth Karmapa Dezhin Shegpa (1384-1415) was presented a gift of a black hat by the Chinese emperor Yungle. However, according to Mongolian history the first black hat was a gift of Mongke Khan to the 2nd Karmapa, Karma Pakshi. This hat has become the principal identifying characteristic and iconographic attribute in the depictions of the Karmapas.

The uppermost (and central) Buddha on the tree is Dorje Chang, timeless Enlightenment itself. Underneath Dorje Chang, one sees either the Indian yogis Tilopa and Naropa or, Lodro Rinchen, Saraha, Nagarjuna, Shavaripa and Maitripa. Dorje Chang always comes first. Below the Indians, sits Marpa, a mountain of power, who brought both the Mahamudra and the Six Doctrines to Tibet, and below him are Milarepa, Gampopa and the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa. All the other Karmapas are also present, along with the high incarnate Lamas between them.

The Buddhas of the Three Times represent the Sangha and below are the Tutelary Deities and Protectors for the Kagyu Lineage.

Notes by Bhikshu Karma Tinley, who gratefully acknowledges the Himalayan Art Library.


THANGKAS FOR CHARITABLE DONATIONS

These Thankas are not for sale, but will be given to individuals and organisations who support by donation The Dharma Fellowship Hermitage Meditation Retreat on Denman Island, Canada, or the sponsorship programs for Tibetan refugee children and monks administered by the Dharma Fellowship.

To find out more about the Hermitage and to make a donation please visit www.dharmafellowship.org

To find out more about their work and get involved with sponsorship please visit www.dharmafellowship.org/charitablework

The donor may choose a Thangka from the catalogue presented here. They are being given in three sizes:
1) For a donation of $2500 or more: At an image size of 40" wide x up to 59" high, on canvas, coated with a UV and abrasion resistant liquid laminate, editions of 100. These can be hung like scrolls or stretched over wooden frames (known as "stretchers").
2) For a donation of $500 or more: On 24" x 30" watercolor/rag paper, editions of 500.
3) For a donation of $150 or more: On 8.5" x 12" heavyweight watercolor/rag paper, open editions.

All editions have an archival rating of 61 - 108 years (depending on the paper/canvas used).

If you would like to know more about this donation scheme and receiving a Thangka please email thangkas@dharmafellowship.org
Questions? Call 1-877-335-8111 or email contact@mimagallery.com.      © Copyright MIMA Fine Art Publishers, Inc., 2005.