The letter ka is the first letter of the Tibetan alphabet and its presence on the side of this cover indicates that the manuscript was the first in a series of volumes. The outer face of this cover offers a rare opportunity to compare in a single work of art the sculptural and painting style of a period. The sculpture has its roots in eastern India, but the line is here more rounded and fluid than its Pala prototype, and may be regarded as purely Tibetan in style. The painted celestial Buddhas around the outer border are, similarly, in the developed Tibetan style of the period. The goddess Prajnaparamita (the Perfection of Wisdom) is enthroned in the centre of the cover. To her right, the powerfully carved figure of Vighnantaka astride a recumbent elephant (symbol of ignorance), brandishes the sword that cuts through ignorance. To his left, Buddha is seated in meditation. The deities are shown against a deep blue cushion strewn with falling flowers.