The Sixth Panchen Lama

In full monastic regalia, the Panchen Lama wears the pointed yellow hat of the Gelug order he oversees. Here, the Sixth Panchen Lama, named Palden Yeshe, asserts his mastery of philosophical reasoning by raising his right hand in the gesture of religious discussion. His left hand rests flat in the meditation gesture, symbolizing his contemplative mastery.

Sculptures of high Tibetan lamas like Palden Yeshe receive consecrations (rabney), which closely resemble meditative initiations. In such consecrations, the lama first visualizes an imaginary copy of that being—in this case Palden Yeshe himself—entering the sculpture. Then, the cavity inside the sculpture is filled with such sacred materials as rolled-up prayers and magical seeds. These materials are understood to enliven the sculpture. Finally, the bottom of the sculpture is sealed with two crossed ritual objects (vajras)—and the rite transforming a mere likeness of Palden Yeshe into his virtual presence is complete.