Within Tibetan Buddhism, the term ‘lama’, which literally means ‘highest principle’, is used as a title for a teacher of the Dharma. Dharma is commonly translated as ‘righteousness’ or ‘moral duties’, and in Buddhism refers specifically to ‘cosmic law and order’, as detailed in the teachings of the Buddha. This lama figure is seated cross-legged on a double-layered platform, with his palms pressed together in front of him and a gentle smile on his face. His serene expression suggests that through meditation and spiritual study, he has been able to attain a level of inner peace, and that he wishes to assist his students on their own spiritual quests for enlightenment. In the centre of his forehead is a red elliptical dot, which could represent an urna. The urna is one of the 32 physical characteristics of the Buddha. Usually thought to be a whorl of hair, it symbolises a third eye, a representation of enhanced vision beyond our physical universe and into the realm of the divine. Red, black, and green paint has been used across all surfaces of this statue to decorate the figure, his clothing, and the platform on which he sits. It is used to pick out the details of facial features such as the lips and eyes. The folds of the figure’s clothing are almost entirely symmetrical, adding to the sense of balance and peace which this sculpture possesses.

The gesture which the lama is making with his hands, which are resting on his lap at the level of his stomach with palms held together and fingers pointing upwards, is known as the Namaskara mudra. ‘Mudra’ literally means ‘seal’ or ‘gesture’ and is used to refer to a pose, usually of the hands, which has a symbolic meaning. The Namaskara mudra has connotations of greeting and devotion. The meeting of the palms is also a symbol of unification, particularly that of the divine with everything in the world. It can be used to acknowledge the divinity both of the individual performing the gesture and the one at whom it is directed.