Vintage Nepalese aluminium Padmasambhava mask

In the historiography of (especially) Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is a figure of enormous importance. Legend speaks of him being incarnated as an 8 year old child, born in a lotus-flower in lake Dhanakosha in (nowadays) Pakistan. His name 'Padmasambhava' translates as 'the Lotus-born'. His extra-ordinary talents were recognised and quickly he became a great esoteric teacher. Another one of his names refers to this: 'Guru Rinpoche', which translates as 'precious teacher'.

In the 8th century, Buddhism tried to set foot in Tibet, but was restrained in doing so by  the already resident older local gods and spirits (associated with the ancient Tibetan Bon tradition or the old school of Nyingma). Attempts to conquer or expel these deities and spirits were all doomed to fail. This is when the local king called upon the help of the then already famous tantric teacher and magician Padmasambhava, who came to Tibet and subdued all the old spirits, giving them the ultimatum to either leave Tibet forever or convert to Buddhism and protect the buddhist teachings, in this way oathbounding them to become 'dharmapala' (protectors of the dharma).

Padmasambhava is thus seen as the founder of Tibetan ('tantric') Buddhism, which differs greatly from for example Zen Buddhism. In cosmology and methodology, Tibetan Buddhism has great overlaps with the Himalayan shamanic traditions and by many Himalayan shamans, Padmasambhava is considered to be the 'original' or 'first' shaman.

This mask comes from Nepal. It is from vintage origin and the aluminium, of which this one has been made, has obviously corroded over the years. But it is of course still a great piece to hang on the walls of your house, practice space or altar room.

Size; approximately 13 centimeters high (measured without the eyelet) and 12 centimeters wide. Weight; 163 grams.

Only one available.