Dakini Mandarava
       Mandarava is one of Guru Padmasambhava's two consorts, and a female guru-deity in her own right. Born a princess in India, she renounced her royal background to practise the Dharma, and became a great teacher. She is pictured here in deified form as a long-life practice. Here she appears in Sambhogakaya form, her body white with a shade of red, wearing the royal ornaments of a bodhisattva. In her right hand she holds an arrow (a powerful symbol of Dzog Chen) adorned with banners and a melong (mirror, representing the clear and reflecting nature of mind). Her left hand holds a long-life vase. She is shown standing in the beautiful dancing position and surrounded by four of her own emanations.
       Above her is Guru Padmasambhava in colorful tigle. Below Mandarava is the main guardian of the teaching wrathful protector Ekajati. This Thangka was made according to Terma teaching and oral instructions of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu.