Dharmapala Standing on a Lion

Dharmapala Standing on a Lion

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dharmapalas, defenders of the dharma, the Buddha’s teachings, represent a category of wrathful guardians essential to the Tibetan system of Buddhism. They are understood to be enlightened beings. This fearsome protector stands astride an equally expressive lion, warding off spiritual dangers.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dharmapala Standing on a LionDharmapala Standing on a LionDharmapala Standing on a LionDharmapala Standing on a LionDharmapala Standing on a Lion

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.