Deity: Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨) – The Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue; right attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛右胁侍), embodying moral conduct and great action (专司理德,表大行). Symbol of truth and one of the eight close disciples of the Buddha (象征真理,八大随佛弟子之一). Said to uphold right conduct and virtue (正行正德), strengthen willpower (提升意志力), ward off petty persons (防小人), and spread virtue and goodness to all beings (将贤德妙善普施众生). Sacred patron (Ben Ming Fo) for the Zodiac Dragon and Snake (生肖龙蛇的本命佛).
Art School/Origin: Tibet – Authentic lineage painting using ancient mineral techniques.
Dimensions: Painting Core 2 x 2 cm (Precision Miniature Art).
Pigments: 100% Genuine Natural Minerals (Lapis Lazuli, Cinnabar, Malachite, Gold).
Casing: 925 Sterling Silver (Electroplated for long-lasting brilliance).
Merit: Right conduct and virtue, willpower, protection from petty persons; spreading virtue to all beings; sacred patron for Dragon and Snake.
I. Cultural Context & Divine Symbolism Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨) is the Bodhisattva of Universal Virtue and the right attendant of Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛右胁侍). He embodies moral conduct and great action (专司理德,表大行) and is a symbol of truth (象征真理), one of the eight close disciples of the Buddha (八大随佛弟子之一). In Tibetan culture, he is invoked to uphold right conduct and virtue (正行正德), to strengthen willpower (提升意志力), to ward off petty persons (防小人), and to spread virtue and goodness to all beings (将贤德妙善普施众生). He is the sacred patron for those born in the Year of the Dragon and the Year of the Snake (生肖龙蛇的本命佛). This 2x2cm pendant serves as a concentrated vessel of this virtuous energy, designed to support conduct, willpower, and blessing in daily life.
II. Expanded Visual Analysis: The Micro-Universe of the Masterpiece Despite its miniature 2x2cm scale, this Thangka is a display of breathtaking precision.
The Serene Countenance: The Bodhisattva's face is rendered in a calm, dignified expression, achieved through finely ground minerals. This composure represents the virtue and truth that Samantabhadra embodies.
The Elephant and the Lotus: Samantabhadra is often depicted on a white elephant or holding the lotus. The artist has used hair-thin gold lines to depict the intricate details, symbolizing the great action and the spreading of virtue to all beings.
The Celestial Robes: His silks are adorned with intricate patterns, visible only upon close inspection. The layering of mineral whites, greens, and gold creates a sense of silken texture and divine majesty.
The Sacred Halo: The background features a multi-layered nimbus. The transition from soft green to golden radiance is seamless, created through a stippling technique that takes days to complete on such a small canvas.
The Lotus Throne: Beneath the deity, the lotus base is indicated with delicate mineral pigments, representing purity and the blossoming of virtue and merit.
III. Artistic Alchemy: Inheritable Mineral Heritage This piece is "inheritable and collectible" (可传承, 可收藏) due to its material purity. Unlike modern synthetic paints that oxidize, these natural mineral pigments—ground from raw gemstones—maintain their chemical integrity. The 925 silver casing provides a dignified, protective barrier, ensuring that this sacred image remains a pristine heirloom for over a hundred years.
IV. Spiritual Efficacy for the Modern Journey
Right Conduct and Virtue: Wearing this image is believed to support "right conduct and virtue" (正行正德), guiding the wearer toward moral action and integrity.
Willpower: Invoked to "strengthen willpower" (提升意志力), helping practitioners persevere in practice and in life.
Protection from Petty Persons: Said to "ward off petty persons" (防小人), protecting the wearer from malice and obstruction.
Spreading Virtue: Supports "spreading virtue and goodness to all beings" (将贤德妙善普施众生); sacred patron for Dragon and Snake, aligning them with virtue and blessing.
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