Portrait of Lama Tsongkhapa 18th/19th century

This Sino-Tibetan bronze sculpture portrays Lama Tsongkhapa in a meditative pose. Note the gesture of his hands, the Dharmachakra mudra, symbolizing the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, a teaching which appears across Buddhist art, evoking the initial sermon of the Buddha. This gesture transcends mere representation; it embodies the profound act of setting in motion the cycle of spiritual knowledge. Consider how this motif echoes in ancient Greek depictions of philosophers, their hands similarly engaged in discourse. Across cultures, the hand, through gesture, becomes a potent symbol of communication and enlightenment. The subconscious impact of such imagery is immense, tapping into our innate understanding of teaching, learning, and the transmission of wisdom. Through time, the mudra evolves, adapting to new contexts, yet retaining its essence. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared human quest for understanding and the enduring cycle of knowledge.