Gyerpung Nangzher Lopo belonged to the illustrious Gurib family of Zhang Zhung, a clan that boasted several previous Bon lineage holders. He received teachings from the esteemed master Dawa Gyaltsen and became a renowned eighth-century scholar and practitioner. Through the practice of the yidam Meri he obtained great power and became royal priest to King Ligmincha of Zhang Zhung. Nangzher Lopo was the first to set in writing the Zhang Zhung Nyen Gyü (Oral Transmission of Zhang Zhung), one of the most revered series of Bön dzogchen teachings, which he himself received from his master Tapihritsa. Nangzher Lopo developed pride due to his great power and fame, and it was to help him overcome this pride that Tapihritsa, having attained the rainbow body, appeared to him in the form of a young boy. The esoteric discussions and debate that ensued between Nangzher Lopo and the young boy humbled the great master and released him from his subtle obscurations.

This thangka illustrates the moment when Nangzher Lopo achieved supreme realization and spontaneously composed a devotional prayer of invocation to his compassionate master, Tapihritsa, who manifested in the sky above him as a radiant buddha of white light.