Mystery of the Hidden--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, empowerment, and (initiation) 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 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 distinctive form of art and aesthetics in Tibetan culture. The word "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 toward sacred figures—such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and protectors.
This book begins with thangkas and explores the profound truth of wisdom in the mysterious tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.