The Padmasambhava Refuge Tree is a Tibetan thangka that depicts the lineage of teachers and lineages of refuge within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The tree is rooted in a deep blue sea, which represents the ocean of samsara, or cyclic existence. The trunk of the tree represents the path to enlightenment, and the branches and leaves represent the different lineages of teachers and teachings that lead to enlightenment.
The central figure in the thangka is Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is depicted as a peaceful and wrathful deity seated in the vajrasana posture. Padmasambhava is surrounded by a host of other figures, including bodhisattvas, meditation deities, and protectors. The figures on the left side of the thangka represent the lineage of teachers who transmitted the sutra teachings, while the figures on the right side of the thangka represent the lineage of teachers who transmitted the tantric teachings.

The Padmasambhava Refuge Tree is a powerful symbol of the Nyingma tradition's commitment to the path of enlightenment. The tree represents the vast lineage of teachers and teachings that lead to enlightenment, and it reminds practitioners of the importance of following the path and relying on the guidance of their teachers.

Here is a more detailed description of the figures depicted in the thangka:

Padmasambhava: The central figure in the thangka is Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Padmasambhava is depicted as a peaceful and wrathful deity seated in the vajrasana posture. Padmasambhava is considered to be the founder of the Nyingma tradition, and he is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is also known as a great tantric adept and a powerful protector of the Dharma.

The Lineage of Sutra Teachers: The figures on the left side of the thangka represent the lineage of teachers who transmitted the sutra teachings. The sutra teachings are the foundational teachings of Buddhism, and they provide guidance on how to live a moral and ethical life, develop concentration and wisdom, and ultimately achieve enlightenment. The lineage of sutra teachers begins with the Buddha Shakyamuni and continues through a long line of great Indian and Tibetan teachers.

The Lineage of Tantric Teachers: The figures on the right side of the thangka represent the lineage of teachers who transmitted the tantric teachings. The tantric teachings are a more advanced form of Buddhist practice that can lead to quicker and more profound results. The lineage of tantric teachers begins with the Buddha Shakyamuni and continues through a long line of great Indian and Tibetan teachers.

The Bodhisattvas: The bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have vowed to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. They are depicted in the thangka as beautiful and compassionate figures.

The Meditation Deities: The meditation deities are powerful beings who can help practitioners to develop concentration and wisdom. They are depicted in the thangka as fierce and wrathful figures.

The Protectors: The protectors are benevolent beings who guard the Dharma and protect practitioners from harm. They are depicted in the thangka as fearsome and powerful figures.

The Padmasambhava Refuge Tree is a beautiful and inspiring work of art that reminds practitioners of the importance of following the path of enlightenment and relying on the guidance of their teachers. It is a reminder that we are all connected to a vast lineage of teachers and teachings, and that we can all achieve enlightenment if we follow the path with diligence and devotion.