The Journey

The gilded decoration on this large ga'u includes a bowl of offerings of the five senses at the bottom center; eight khandro, female embodiments of enlightened energy, dancing on clouds; and a seated deity at the top. On the gilded window border, among rocks and trees, is a collection of imagery that may symbolize longevity: a bearded warrior, perhaps the God of Longevity, at the upper left, as well as a lion, elephant, deer, and bird (perhaps a crane). A winged khyung (garuda in Sanskrit) grasps two dragons by their serpent-like tails at the top of the window border.