1-234-587 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Gilt brass Ratnasambhava, patron saint of Nyingmapa sect, Mongolia, 18th century. Figure of Ratnasambhava seated in meditation pose. The figure sits on a multi-layered lotus throne, with petal with three veins in relief. His hands are held in the earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsa mudra). His palms and soles of the feet are marked with the wheel of the law. The base of the lotus throne has a gilded vajra, which identifies the piece as being of Mongolian origin. Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhava (the 'jewel-born') is one of the Five Transcendental Buddhas of the Vajrayana pantheon. He is associated with the Southern direction and is responsible for asisting in the transformation of pride and stinginess into wisdom.