Dharmapala Thangka CentreTibetan Antiques

Old age, illness and death are events that touch all people and also raise questions of one's own destiny. In case of serious illness or in the face of death, the Tibetans turn to the »Three Deities of Long Life« [Tib.: »Tsel lha tsah nam sum«]

Buddha Amitayus [top], White Tara [left] and Ushnishavijaya [Tib.: "Namgyalma"] [right] surround a Nirvanastupa as a symbol of the essence of the Buddha's mind that transcends death. Amitayus carries in his hands the Amrta vessel [Skt. »Kalasha«] with the »drink of longevity«. White Tara shows the gesture of »Generosity».

The deities are arranged to form a triangle. They are revered for their ability to grant longevity, healing and purification of negative karma. A stupa / tchörten is depicted between Ushnishavijaya and the White Tara.