This thangka depicts the five Buddha family Buddhas with consorts, Vairocana being the central figure. These are the Buddha families of the Bardo state, the state between death and rebirth. It is in the meeting with and cognizance of these deities that the wandering incarnation has the best chance of escaping the circle of death and rebirth.

The painting is in a strong, sure hand, with a definite Chinese influence.