Thankga Painting II

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Medium: Cloth

Artist: Unknown

Thankga paintings serve as an important teaching tool depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas, and other deities and Bodhisattvas. One subject is The Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra), which is a visual representation of the Abhidharma teachings (Art of Enlightenment).

The term may sometimes be used in works in other media besides a painting such as reliefs in metal and woodblock prints. Today printed poster size reproductions of painted thangka are commonly used for devotional as well as decorative purposes. Many were produced in sets, though they have often subsequently become separated. Thangka paintings perform several different functions other than depicting the life of Buddha. They can also retell myths associated with other deities.

Devotional images act as the centerpiece during a ritual or ceremony and are often used as mediums through which one can offer prayers or make requests. Overall, and perhaps most importantly, religious art is used as a meditation tool to help bring one further down the path to enlightenment.