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The side and end of this manuscript cover have the "skyab dro" this is a blessing and is also called the Buddhism Refuge formula, it is as follows:

May all the sentient beings enjoy happiness and the root of happiness,
may they be free from suffering and the root of suffering.
may they not be separated from true happiness, devoid of suffering,
may they dwell in great equanimity, which is free from attachment and aversion.

Until awakening I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,
May I realize buddhahood,
through the merit of generosity and the other liberating qualities,
for the benefit of all beings.

The far left figure is Milarepa, the the great teacher of the dharma, teachings that give way to mahamudra. By following these practices assiduously it is possible to come face to face with "suchness," the actual way things exist. Next to Milarepa is Kunga Gyaltsen, better known as the Sakya Pandita. Kunga Gyaltsen was the embodiment of enlightened wisdom, he was instrumental in introducing the tradition of logical analysis into Tibet and some of his works were so acclaimed that the were disseminated in India in a Sanskrit translation. He spent the last years of his life at the Mongol court of Godan Khan and through this the centuries long practice of Choyon was initiated in 1244 AD. The central figure is Shakyamuni Buddha with three Bodhisattva and three disciples or adepts. The 1st figure on the right is Je Tsong Khapa and the far right figure is unidentified.

The back side of the manuscript cover is decorated in 24kt gold with a trefoil giving way to durva grass that is an overlay for 4 petaled flowers and kusha grass. This long life of the durva grass is pointing to the purity of the kusha grass that it used for meditational mats, gives way to the 4 noble truths. This then leads to the central figure of the back, the Dharma Wheel. This is flanked on one side by the eternal or infinite knot and on the other by the conch shell horn. Cintamani, or the thinking jewel is set blazing at each end.

This manuscript cover comes with a complete documentation package (map with history~iconography~essays and pictures about the monastery and people of the golden valley), and a Certificate of Authenticity brush signed by a monk at the Sange Monastery

Dimensions: W=35.38" H=8.38" Thickness= 1.38"
Material: Juniper
Circa: 1800 ~ front side is painted on a cloth glued to the board

Questions?  contact David by emailing david@baronet4tibet.com

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Item #C055-02 price $1395.00, plus shipping: ~EAST COAST $74.00 ~MIDWEST $65.00 ~MTN STATES $59.00 ~WEST COAST $52.00; other destinations, contact us  for a quote.