Mask of a snow lion (Tib.: gangs seng ge)

In the mask of a snow lion (Tib.: gangs seng ge) worn in the ritual dance (Tib. 'cham), the historical Buddha Shakyamuni himself appears to the audience. The lion lives on the snow-covered peaks of the Tibetan mountains over which he reigns and presides over the sacred mountains. As he leaps from mountain peak to mountain peak in boundless freedom, he also reminds us of the absolute freedom of all yogis. In Tibetan Buddhism, the lion symbolises fearlessness, unconditional cheerfulness and freedom from all doubts. Its beauty and dignity are based on the unity of body and mind.