FOUR PERFECT FRIENDS
# The six signs of longevity are old man of long life,a tree, a rock, water, birds and deer.
# The event depicted in this well known thanka took place during a previous life of Buddha Shakyamuni.
# The four friends actually are an elephant,monkey, hare and partridge who were trying to determine who was
the most senior which follows Buddhist thought that age helps determine priority.
# The bird who was on the top was Shakyamuni himself,and the rabbit ,monkey and the elephant were three of his disciples
in their previous incarnations.
# The four friends lived with mutualrespect.
# This thanka is an illustration of interdependence and harmonious relationship.