Mystery: The Essence of Thangkas

Author: Yin Chen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Tibet is a place full of mystery and unique atmosphere, many people yearn for it—prayer wheels, thangkas, living Buddhas, lamas, empowerments, and transmissions always evoke curiosity. The culture and beliefs of Tibet are filled with many mysterious elements—such as Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama, and the Panchen Lama, which always inspire a desire to explore.
A thangka refers to a framed, scroll-style Buddhist painting. It is also translated as "tangka," one of the unique tools for practice and learning in Tibetan Buddhism; it is also a part of the distinctive art and aesthetics of Tibetan culture. The term "thangka" originally means "to roll up." Legend has it that it originated from Indian storytellers who used hanging scrolls to make storytelling easier. The term "scroll painting" is called "thangka," emphasizing the upward rolling and form. Due to certain rules for collecting and storing thangkas, they must be rolled from bottom to top into a bundle. If rolled in the opposite direction, it is considered disrespectful or an act of desecration—towards Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and protectors.
This book begins with thangkas and explores the true essence of wisdom in the mysterious Tibetan Buddhism.