Thangka Gallery

Rahula

18" x 24" ◊ Ground mineral pigment on cotton cloth

Rahula Rahula is a protector responsible for defeating the Nagas (Lu) and the spirits inhabiting the land (sa-dak). With his serpent's tail, Rahula can act as an envoy or messenger spreading "lu-du". He sits in a lake of blood, symbolizing the release of worldly attachments. Rahula's body is the colour of smoke, and the eyes on different parts of his body indicate that he is protecting the dharma (Buddhist teachings) in ten directions. The crow on the top of Rahula's head symbolizes his praise for the triple gem (Konchok sum). The bow and an arrow represent the destruction of the enemies of the dharma. Carrying the crocodile scepter signifies defeating the Nagas and the sa-dak. The fire surrounding Rahula's body symbolizes the incineration of all the miseries of the world.

Each of Rahula's nine heads has it's own unique meaning, as follows:
- an enraged demi-god (lha-ma yi) face - the sign of shadowing the sun and the moon
- a laughing face, signifying joy on seeing the teachings of the Buddha
- a furious demon face that symbolizes eating enemies or troublesome spirits as a food
- a dreadful demon face that casts down thunderbolts
- a cunning face
- a violent face that casts down hailstones
- a furious wisdom (Ye-she) face that has miraculous (Zutrul) power
- a miraculous face that protects the Buddha dharma
- a face of Shantideva (Shi-wa lha) that gives worldly and spiritual power.

The black style of thangka gained popularity and strength during the time of the 5th Dalai Lama, in the second half of the 17th century. Black is the colour of hate transmuted by the alchemy of wisdom into the ultimate-reality-perfection wisdom. The darkness connotes death, which enlightenment converts into the Body of Truth. It is used in the conquest of evil, not by destroying evil, but by turning evil into good.

Thangka Gallery - Rahula