On the wall to the right of the statues is a painting of the Sixteenth Karmapa Rigpe Dorje, and below him Chakrasamvara, Dorje Phagmo and Mahakala Bernagchen. There is a metre high painting of Machig Lapchi Drölma, founder of the Chöd sect, and Chöd master Jamyang Tenphel, as well as the founding lamas of the Drukpa Kagyu, Drigung Kagyu, Talung Kagyu and Bambrom Kagyud. Spread high across both side walls are the Sixteen Arhats and the 46 lineage lamas of the Karma Kagyu Golden Rosary lineage. There are paintings of Sakya Pandita, Je Tsong Khapa and Longchenpa (known as "Jamyang Namsum" - the three Manjushri emanations of Tibet), and of the First Karma Thinleypa.

Wall painting with one-metre high image of

H.H. the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje

Machik Lapchi Drölma

Looking in the direction of the main entrance, to the right of the doorway are paintings of all the Amitayu mandala deities (Tsedrup Sangwa Düpa) and the three long life deities. On the left, is a human-sized Kalachakra surrounded by Thangtong Gyalpo, Butön, Dölpopa, Red Chenrezig Gyalwa Gyamtso, Vajra Kilaya, Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja, Vajrapani, White Six Armed Mahakala and different Dzambalas, and some other deities.

All of the wall paintings are rendered in acrylic paints and all gold colour is pure gold. The artist, Ngawang Zangpo, is a master of the Karma Gardri tradition and the chief student of Gega Lama, the famous Gardri master who wrote a two volume collection of tangka painting instructions.

It is a little sad now because the colours are fading from exposure to damp, foggy weather, wind, changing temperatures and smoke from the butter lamps. I chose to have the work done in acrylic paints because the finish and colours are very nice, but unfortunately, acrylic paint cannot be washed as can oils.

On the wall outside the entrance are paintings of the Four Guardian Kings, and of the Wheel of Life depicting the twelve nidanas. Above the door are seven lion statues facing outward, and above them the four special area "blessers" and protectors, Rigdzin Jatsön Nyingpo, Karma Pakshi, Virupa and Sakya Wandü Nyingpo. To the right of the entrance is the Mahakala room with a wall painting of a three foot tall Mahakala Bernagchen, Mahakali, Vajrasadhu, Dorje Gur gi Gönpo as well as Jomo Tashi Tseringma and her four Sisters.

Now Lekshay Ling has a piece of land in Parping, with a house for a retreat centre, very close to the Guru Rinpoche cave in Yangleshö and the Asura Cave. Some nuns are in retreat there. A quiet place for meditators, this holy land of Parping is situated in a very beautiful area where cuckoos sing in the spring and early summer. It is in a forest, surrounded by beautiful mountains.