Indian and Himalayan Art Herukas and Classes of Spirits Made in Tibet, AsiaNyingma, c. 19th century Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan Colors on cloth; cloth mountings Currently not on view 1958-164-1 Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1958 |
LabelThe term "Heruka"--like its etymological cousin "Herculean"--denotes a type of deity. In a Buddhist context, a Heruka is a heroic, wrathful form adopted by a deity to assist devotees in breaking through ignorance. The monk portraits at the top of this painting represent individuals who promoted teachings about, and worship of, the central deity, whose peaceful form is Vajradhara (seen kissing his consort in the top center). The wild figures surrounding the central couple represent entire classes of spirits associated with mortal and spiritual dangers-such as epilepsy, cannibalism, and delusion-that can be controlled through proper worship of the appropriate Heruka. |
