Ming Dynasty Venerable Milarepa Tibetan Antique Buddha Statue Huang Lima Thick Titus Babang Temple

The Ming Dynasty Tibetan-style statue of Milarépa, with a thick and sturdy build. Milarépa is depicted here as a yogi, with a broad forehead and full cheeks, arched eyebrows, and round eyes gazing into the distance with a profound and lively expression. His eyes exude a spiritual depth, while his inner tranquility and joy naturally radiate from him. This portrayal of his inner spiritual essence is something that ordinary artworks struggle to achieve. The vividness, naturalness, and expressiveness captured in this statue demonstrate an exceptionally high level of artistic skill, truly deserving of admiration.

Milarépa's left hand rests on his left knee, while his right hand is raised to his ear, symbolizing his teaching method of transmitting instructions to his disciples through the multiple verses and free-form melodies of Tibetan folk songs. His long hair flows freely, suggesting his lifelong adherence to non-ordained status, reflecting the naturalistic traits of a yogi practitioner. His well-proportioned physique is clad in a draped right-shoulder robe, with the right shoulder exposed and the robe draped over the left arm. He sits in a relaxed posture on a dais, with his legs crossed in a comfortable position, and beneath him, the animal skin is intricately sculpted, with lifelike features such as horns and ears rendered in three-dimensional detail. The fur is finely detailed, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the artist.

This statue of Milarépa has been passed down from the Gelugpa monastery of Babong in its early years. With its thick and solid build, substantial weight, and pure craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to the remarkable skill of its creators.