Kagyu Golden Rosary

An illuminated scriptural homage to the forefathers of the Kagyu lineage- known as the “Golden Rosary” – the lineage of the Kagyu emphasises the continuity of oral instructions passed on from master to student.

At the heart of this art piece is the first syllable of the Tibetan alphabet is ཀ་ ka which refers to the scriptures of the Buddha and the oral instructions of the guru.
ka has the sense both of the enlightened meaning conveyed by the words of the teacher, as well as the force that such words of insight carries. It is therefore the syllable which represents the leading holder of the lineage called Karmapa ཀརྨ་པ།

The circle of an early style of Tibetan cursive calligraphy, is a supplication prayer to the Gurus of the Kagyu Lineage, starting with Vajradhara – Dorje Chang, Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa and the Karmapa’s and his heart sons, with all the kagyu lamas thereafter.

Each of the 108 beads of the rosary has been hand gilded in 23.6 carat gold leaf.