This large protection shield was placed in monasteries and also in private homes to protect from negative energies. To create the protective effect both sides of the shield are closely inscribed with Tibetan mantras.
The text begins with the Padmasambhava mantra »Om Ah Hum Vajra guru siddhi hum« [see detail image 6]. This is followed by the famous Pratityasamutpadagatha, then later by mantras of Avalokiteshvara and other deities and the enumeration of the elements wind, fire water and air. To also know what harm they can cause to people and what mantras help against them. So it is a text for »protection from the dangers of nature« to banish these Four Elements. Also, the comprehensive protection of the »Eight Taras« is included in the listed texts.
The second side was obviously exposed to great heat for a long time. Its surface is partially slightly blackened, so that the mantra texts are difficult to recognize. Presumably, the board with this dark side stood on an altar on which the heat of burning butter lamps acted on the tablet over time.
The base of the plaque consists of a painted wooden base of six lotus petals with a diameter of 4.8 " | 12 cm.
Comparable shields are scarce today, as they appeared to be worthless by the Chinese occupiers and were not looted. Many were also lost during the destruction of the monasteries. This protective shield resembles the tormas made mostly of flour and butter used in tantric rituals or as offerings in Tibetan Buddhism. They are also found on Buddhist altars.
Condition report: Time has left its traces on this object. The surface of the board and the base has some cracks and paint losses. To get a better picture open the high-resolution image at the bottom of this text.
Age: about 100 - 150 years
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 18.5 x 3.3" | 47 x 8.5 cm |
| Price: | 228 $ | 210 € |
| Material: | Wood |
| High resolution: | Display [1.0 MB, 918 x 3652 px.] |
| Inquiry / Order | |
