Deity: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (普贤菩萨) – The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue; right attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha, who embodies right conduct and virtue, upholds truth and the great conduct (大行), and is one of the eight close disciples. He spreads virtue and goodness to all beings. Sacred patron for the Dragon and Snake zodiac.
Art School: Tibetan Menri Style (藏卡勉唐系列) – A refined, classical lineage with precise draftsmanship and luminous mineral pigments.
Origin: Tibet (Authentic lineage transmission).
Dimensions: Painting Core 4 x 5 cm.
Pigments: 100% Authentic Natural Mineral Pigments (Color stability for 100+ years).
Casing: 925 Silver with Dunhuang Nine-Colour Deer Design (敦煌九色鹿银壳; rope/beads not included).
Zodiac Connection: Sacred Patron (Ben Ming Fo) for the Year of the Dragon and Year of the Snake.
I. Cultural Context: The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue and Great Conduct In Tibetan Buddhism, Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨) embodies right conduct and virtue (正行正德), strengthens willpower (提升意志力), and protects from petty influences (防小人). As the right attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛右胁侍), he presides over principle and virtue (专司理德), represents the great conduct (表大行), and symbolises truth; he is one of the eight close disciples of the Buddha (八大随佛弟子之一). His vow is to spread virtue and goodness to all beings (将贤德妙善普施众生). As sacred patron for the Dragon and Snake zodiac, he offers dedicated blessings for those born in these years. This 4x5cm Menri-style Thangka pendant brings that universal-virtue energy into daily life as a portable support for conduct and protection.
II. Visual Analysis: The Menri Refined Aesthetic The Menri (勉唐) style emphasises clarity, proportion, and luminous colour. Samantabhadra is rendered with a serene, dignified expression, often seated on the elephant, with symbolic attributes and rich mineral colours that stand out on the 4x5 cm surface. The composition is balanced and classical, reflecting the lineage's emphasis on both devotion and artistic refinement, making the pendant a dignified sacred object as well as a focus for contemplation.
III. Artistic Alchemy: Minerals and Lasting Colour Painted by lineage-trained artists in Tibet, this Thangka uses natural mineral pigments—malachite, cinnabar, lapis lazuli, and gold—bound with traditional mediums. These materials are resistant to fading and oxidation, so the image retains its spiritual and aesthetic power for over a hundred years with normal care. The 925 silver casing with the Dunhuang Nine-Colour Deer design protects the painting and carries auspicious symbolism. The result is a collectible and inheritable (可传承, 可收藏) sacred object that carries the living tradition of the Tibetan plateau.
IV. Spiritual Merit & Modern Efficacy: Virtue, Willpower and Protection The Samantabhadra Thangka pendant serves the modern practitioner as a support for: Right Conduct and Virtue: Aligning with right action and virtue (正行正德). Willpower: Strengthening resolve and determination (提升意志力). Protection from Petty Influences: Shielding from negative or obstructive people (防小人). Truth and Great Conduct: Supporting the great conduct and the embodiment of truth. Zodiac Synergy: As the patron deity for the Dragon and Snake, he offers a dedicated blessing for those born in these years.
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