The Three Patriarchs

The Three Patriarchs, also known as the Three Tulkus for Refuge, are revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the Three Patriarchs of the Tantric Vehicle Department. These include the three bodhisattvas of the Buddha Department: Manjushri, the Lotus Department's Avalokiteśvara, and the Diamond Department's Vajrapani, who embody the three primary virtues: Great Wisdom, Great Compassion, and Great Power.

The term tulku is Tibetan for "protector deity," referring to deities that safeguard and assist practitioners, alleviating their difficulties and supporting their spiritual endeavors.

The positioning of the Three Patriarchs in visual representations is fluid, with no fixed arrangement for who occupies the center or sides, with a specific arrangement reflecting the manifestation of a particular virtue at any given moment, and when presented together, they symbolize the three virtues of Buddhas in the ten directions.

Praised for their boundless ability to avert disasters, the Three Patriarchs inspire devotion among practitioners, as expressed in the verse:
"The wisdom of all Buddhas, embodied in Manjushri;
The compassionate body of the Holy Avalokiteśvara;
The power Vajrapani;
Homage to the Holy Three Patriarchs."

This triad is deeply esteemed for their guidance, protection, and blessings in the Buddhist path.

This work is a painted Thangka painting by the Meythang School, with a background of an empty space and a precious tree, symbolizing a pure land. Above, Master Tsongkhapa, Shakyamuni Buddha, Longevity Buddha, Medicine Buddha, and Green Tara symbolize a pure Dharma lineage. The main deities, Four Armed Avalokiteśvara, corresponding to Manjusri and Vajrapani, symbolizing the supreme perfection of wisdom, compassion and power. And below are precious wondrous offerings of treasures and eight auspicious objects, symbolizing boundless blessings, virtues and auspiciousness. Practicing and upholding the Three Masters of Dharma is a compulsory and fundamental task for Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, which can lead to the attainment of blessings and auspiciousness, complete cultivation, fulfillment of desires, and the achievement of all merits and benefits.