The Patron Deity of Om Mani Padme Hum

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$191.25

$255

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This thangka is dedicated to Shadakshari Lokeshvar, a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion and wisdom. He is known in various names including Chenrezig in Tibet and to Guanyin in China. Avalokiteshvara is usually depicted with four hands, each of which is either holding a significant object or pose. His upper right hand is holding a prayer bead (symbol for counting prayer cycles). On his upper left hand is a lotus (symbol for purity and enlightenment). Meanwhile, the rest of his hands are in prayer position with wish-granting jewel held to his heart (which symbolizes the aspiration to achieve enlightenment). He is decked in opulent robes, with an antelope skin on his shoulder and chest, jewels, and a crown. He is seated in a lotus position on a multi-colored lotus throne.

Shadashkari or “six-syllables” represent the om mani padme hum mantra. This mantra is associated with Avalokiteshvara and is invoked by believers. Each of these syllables is presented in colorful circles right above his head. The Om is the most sacred sound in Indian religions. In Buddhism, it is recited to represent the pure body and mind of the Buddha. Mani means jewel and its power in the material world to alleviate poverty is like the power of the mind to also remove difficulties of living and the cyclic life. Padme means lotus that symbolizes wisdom and purity and non-contradiction. Lastly, hum means indivisibility, unity of all, and the wisdom that purifies even hatred. Below are two other deities, Manjushri and Vajrapani, who make up the Three Great Protectors with Avalokiteshvara. Manjushri, who wields a flaming sword that cuts ignorance and the Book of Wisdom, is depicted on the lower left. Meanwhile, Vajrapani is opposite him to the right, who is also a wrathful deity who has the power of Buddhas. He is depicted holding a vajra weapon, hence his name.

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Item Code:	TX71
Specifications:	Tibetan Thangka Painting
Dimensions	Size of Painted Surface 19.0 inch X 26.0 inch Size with Brocade 27.0 inch X 41.0 inch

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Unveiling the Divine Art: Journey into the Making of Thangkas

A Thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting that usually depicts a Buddhist Deity (Buddha or Bodhisattva), a scene, or a mandala. These paintings are considered important paraphernalia in Buddhist rituals. They are used to teach the life of the Buddha, various lamas, and Bodhisattvas to the monastic students, and are also useful in visualizing the deity while meditating. One of the most important subjects of thangkas is the Bhavacakra (the wheel of life) which depicts the Art of Enlightenment. It is believed that Thangka paintings were developed over the centuries from the murals, of which only a few can be seen in the Ajanta caves in India and the Mogao caves in Gansu Province, Tibet. Thangkas are painted on cotton or silk applique and are usually small in size. The artist of these paintings is highly trained and has a proper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, knowledge, and background to create a realistic and bona fide painting.

The process of making a thangka begins with stitching a loosely woven cotton fabric onto a wooden frame. Traditionally, the canvas was prepared by coating it with gesso, chalk, and base pigment.

After this, the outline of the form of the deity is sketched with a pencil or charcoal onto the canvas using iconographic grids. The drawing process is followed in accordance with strict guidelines laid out in Buddhist scriptures. The systematic grid helps the artist to make a geometrical and professional painting. When the drawing of the figures is finalized and adjusted, it is then outlined with black ink.

Earlier, a special paint of different colors was made by mixing powdered forms of organic (vegetable) and mineral pigments in a water-soluble adhesive. Nowadays, artists use acrylic paints instead. The colors are now applied to the sketch using the wet and dry brush techniques. One of the characteristic features of a thangka is the use of vibrant colors such as red, blue, black, green, yellow, etc.

In the final step, pure gold is coated over some parts of the thangka to increase its beauty. Due to this beautification, thangkas are much more expensive and also stand out from other ordinary paintings.

Thangka paintings are generally kept unrolled when not on display on the wall. They also come with a frame, a silken cover in front, and a textile backing to protect the painting from getting damaged. Because Thangkas are delicate in nature, they are recommended to be kept in places with no excess moisture and where there is not much exposure to sunlight. This makes them last a long time without their colors fading away. Painting a thangka is an elaborate and complex process and requires excellent skills. A skilled artist can take up to 6 months to complete a detailed thangka painting. In earlier times, thangka painters were lamas that spent many years on Buddhist studies before they painted.

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