Thangka Painting
This is a thangka painting. Thangka is a kind of painting on cotton canvass. It usually depicts the image of different gods, godesses and the significance of philosopy related to Buddhism. This kind of painting started in India, China, Tibet and Nepal.
In Nepal, thangka painting has survived because it is the birthplace of Buddha. The Tamang, Newar and Sherpa ethnic groups of Nepal have contributed a lot in promoting this kind of painting. Thangka painting used to be done only by the Lama, the Buddhist priest. The art was passed on from generation to generation. At present, because of the popularity of this kind of painting, it is now being taught to lay people.
The thangka painting is a mandala (literally meaning a circle) or a tantric meditation device. It is a visual aid for concentration and introvertive meditation leading to the attainment of insight and to the activation of forces culminating in “Siddi” supernatural forces. There are many types and varieites of mandalas depending on the nature of the central deity.
The mandala represents a place of purity, a magic sphere cleansed of spiritual obstacles and impurities. The square of the “sacred palace” proper is enclosed in multiple circles of flame, vajra, eight cemeteries, lotus, then the inner square to reach the deity of the mandala. Vajra, representing “thunderbolt”, is the symbol of power of Buddha’s all pervading knowledge over the divine strength of Lord Indra.
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