An antique tsakli painting, Tibet, 19th Century or earlier depicting the rope, or noose - nthe hand held weapon of a number of Vajrayana deities. Held in the left hand it symbolises mindfulness or clear recollection, and represents the 'binding' of wisdom or true awareness in the minds of sentient beings or the binding of the highest wisdom into the mind of the tantric practitioner. In its more wrathful aspect it is a snare to bind and destroy all harmful spirits or demonic enemies of the teachings. 3 syllables to the reverse side. 9.3 x 11.6cm
Tsakli are ritual or initiation cards used in ceremonies such as empowerment, and are a visualisation aid designed so a lama or practitioner can carry all he or she
requires to invoke deities or their ritual implements and create a mandala for a ritual wherever it may be needed.