Refuge Field with Machik Labdron (1055–1153)
- Location
- Tibet
- Date
- early 20th century
- Material
- Pigments on cloth
- Catalog Number
- C2006.66.11 (HAR 223)
- Collection
- Rubin Museum of Art
- Provenance
- Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
A refuge field, or assembly field, is a painting that represents all of the teachers and deities of a particular tradition in a single composition. These paintings are used to accumulate merit through visualization and veneration. Portraits of religious teachers and their lineages act as a focus of devotion for their followers. Another important function is to authenticate the legitimacy of the teachings by tracing the transmission from master to disciple back through history to India, the birthplace of Buddhist teachings.
This painting represents the lineage of female master Machik Labdron who widely transmitted the practice focused on the deity Vajrayogini and even became identified with this deity. Machik is known for spreading the practice of severance (chod), which involves the visualization of cutting away one’s body, and ultimately the ego, as a means of reaching enlightenment.
More in
Religious Goals
Tibet, 14th-15th century, Pigments on cloth
China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), second half of the 15th century , Gilt brass
China, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), ca. 19th century, Brass alloy, gilt, gold pigment, pigment
Kham region, eastern Tibet, 19th century, Pigments on cloth
More in
Living Practices
Ritual
Ritual
Ritual informs the structure of religious life in the Himalayas, defining the daily routine of practitioners and shaping a range of community-based activities.
Merit
Merit
In Himalayan cultures religious merit is the overarching reason for creating, commissioning, dedicating, and using religious works of art.
Secular Aims
Secular Aims
Religious rituals and the commissioning of art can serve everyday secular needs, the most common being wealth, health, and long life.
Storytelling
Storytelling
Many Himalayan paintings serve as illustrations and instructional tools that bring forth stories about the Buddha, Tibetan masters, and more.
Instruction
Instruction
Instructive paintings can illustrate religious doctrines, medical and astrological charts, or images of ritual implements and meditative postures.
Art in Context
Art in Context
Experience a sacred space similar to what could be found in a Tibetan household where religious objects are displayed and used in ritual and devotional practices.
