Work

The Revival of the ’Bri Gung Bka’ Brgyud School in Western Tibet: Focus on the Murals in the ’Du Khang of Gung ’Phur Monastery at sPu Rang in mNga’ Ris, Tibet

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Based on the previous investigation results, this article investigates the ’Du khang of Gung ’phur Monastery in sPu rang, mNga’ ris, identifying the images and corresponding inscriptions on its four walls and interpreting the meaning of the murals. The study concludes that the murals were executed in the Water-tiger year (1602), with involvement from the local king and his minister, as well as native donors and painters from neighboring Nepal. A comparative analysis with relevant temples in sPu rang and Ladakh reveals that the murals reflect the popular themes of the ’Bri gung bka’ brgyud school in Western Tibet from the mid-16th to the early 17th century. As such, the murals attest to the spread of the school in mNga’ ris, and provide first-hand materials for research on the history and royal family of sPu rang around the 17th century.

Source: Religions

DOI: 10.3390/rel17010124

Author: Yunyun Liang

Institution: Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Indian and Buddhist Studies

Subfield: Religious studies

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172

Funders: Sichuan University, National Social Science Fund of China