The Art of the Thangkas

Aunty Susan explained to me about certain thangkas through pictures of them. But before I begin to tell you what she taught me I shall first provide the definition of a thangka.

The definition is:

Thangka is an of painting unique to Tibtan Buddhism. It is usually done on linen. or on coarse wool cloth, and sometimes on silk for precious ones. The base of the painting is prepared using a paste of animal glue and fine lime. After the paste dries, carbon and paints using natural mineral and plant colors, such as yellow, mineral green, azurite and cinnabar, are applied. All the colors are mixed with animal glue and ox bile to keep them bright. The subjects of most Thangka paintings are religious, but sometimes folklore themes intrude.

SOURCE:http://www.allwords.com/word-thangka.html

The thangkas that Aunty Susan explained to me were the Guru Tree of the Gelug Lineage, Yamantaka, Heruka Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini.

Let us start first at the Guru Tree of the Gelug Lineage.

This picture comes from google.

Let's start with the big picture and then details later.

On the left is the Compassion/Bodhicitta method, represented by Maitreya. On the right is the Wisdom/Profound method represented by Manjushri. It is profound because wisdom is rare.

On the top of the Guru Tree, there are five beings that are the start of the 5 tantric lineages. I will explain them one by one. (from left to right)

1. Guhyasamaja - He represents the father tantra = Compassion

2. Yamantaka

3. Vajradhara

4. Atisha - He is the only human here.

5. Heruka Chakrasamvara represents mother tantra = Wisdom, will explain more later.

On the top left there is a cloud, that is Tushita Heaven. Maitreya, Atisha and Tsongkhapa reside there. On the top right there is another cloud, that is the Western Paradise of Sukhavati. Amitabha, Vajrapani and Chenrezig are notable Buddhas who reside there.

At the bottom of the tree are the 4 Heavenly kings. In Chinese, they are called si da tian wang.

Anything beyond the protectors at the bottom of the Guru Tree, we cannot take refuge in.

The Guru Tree is based on the Mahayana's view of sutra & tantra.

These are the 35 confessional Buddhas. These Buddhas are quite interesting.

Atisha taught that before these Buddhas became enlightened, they were Bodhisattvas. They did many lifetimes 0f prayers.

These Buddhas include the 5 Dhyani Buddhas.

It is said that upon just reciting their names, it will purify eons of bad karma.

There are supposed to be distinct colours for each Buddha. In the centre, there is Buddha Shakyamuni and his two main disciples - Shariputra and Maudgalyayana.

That is all I know of the painting. If there is anything to add, please tell me.

This is the Medicine Buddha. Medicine Buddha or Menlha is the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise. He is the colour of lapis lazuli.

In the bowl there is the arura plant, on his hand there is the Myrobalan plum.

Now for something very interesting .....

This is Vajrayogini! Kechara house's main deity.

She has a Khatanga on her elbow = Heruka.

She drinks blood from the skull cup to represent constantly having Bodhicitta.

There is fire coming out from every pore of her body = wisdom fire that burns up all delusions.

Her hair is unfettered = nothing holds her back

Damaru and bell on the khatanga = realization of emptiness

Drigug on her left hand = cut away ignorance.

50 skulls = 50 guru devotions.

On the bottom of her feet there are two gods. Bhairava (Hatred and Ignorance, Blue) & Kalarati (Desire, red). She is focusing a lot of her energy on stepping on Bhairava because she stops hatred & ignorance.

This is all I am going to talk about for today.