An expression of spontaneous arising of pure mind-awareness, Guru Padmasambhava is believed to embody the essence of the enlightened activities of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.  He is highly revered as the "Second Buddha" by followers of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism, and is credited as the indestructible tantric master who established the Buddha Dharma in Tibet and it's neighboring Himalayan regions in the 8th century.

In this painting Guru Padmasambhava is depicted in the center of a multi-petaled lotus in cross-legged posture symbolizing the never changing vajra bliss.  Guru Padmasambhava's right hand holds the indestructible five-prong vajra near his heart, symbolizing total mastery of the five divine wisdoms.  Holding a katvanga staff in the crook of his left arm, in his left hand he holds an elixir-filled skull cup to symbolize ultimate consumption: inside this, bathed in the elixir, is a precious long-life vase.  Crowned with his signature lotus hat, Guru Padmasambhava is richly attired with lavish gold patterned robes to signify his royal bearing.  Above Guru Padmasambhava's crown resides the delicately executed figure of Buddha Amitabha, while his two main consorts, Indian Princess Mandarava and Tibetan Queen Yeshe Tsogyal, flank his right and left sides respectively.  Numerous rainbow lights emerge from the nimbus of Guru Padmasambhava, sustaining the resplendent and peaceful lakeside atmosphere, vanishing into the sky to create a celestial appearance.