However in the Vajrayana the enlightened mind can be represented in countless forms which establish a connection with the diverse aspects of enlightenment.

This is why there is a necessity to represent numerous meditation deities, each allowing an approach towards the nature of mind.

The first pictorial transmissions began in Nepal and then moved on to Tibet. This old style is called 'Newar' and it became very widespread. Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye's 'Treasury of Knowledge' outlines a brief history of the evolution of the painting lineages.

At one time an emanation of Manjushri appeared in human form as the revered Menla Teundrup at Mentang in the region of Lhodrak. A mine full of vermilion was discovered in the district coinciding with the time of his birth. As he and his wife were temperamentally unsuited he would wander from district to district. He studied under the guidance of Dopa Tashi Gyelpo in the Tsang region.

On coming across a Chinese painting that belonged to him in his previous existence he was able to recall this past life. From then on he was renamed 'the great master of Mentang.' He was responsible for establishing a high transmission of painting which gave birth to the Menri tradition.