Mandala with Symbols of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra

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Vajrayana Buddhism is one of the most complexes of all metaphysical system known to man. It refers to Shunyata which is designated a vajra because it is firm and sound and cannot be changed, penetrated, pierced, and burnt. Thus it is the adamantine path or vehicle. It introduced the methodology that enlightenment can be obtained in a single lifetime through the direction of the guru and intense arduous practice which involves yogic transformative meditation and visualizations to realize the enlightenment state. Vajrayana also introduced the theory of the five Dhyani Buddhas from which deities emerged. Moreover it introduced the worship of the Prajna (Shakti) in Buddhism and a host of the other things including a large number of gods and goddesses their sadhana for the purpose of visualization, mantra, tantra, Yantra, mudra, implements, ritual and mandala etc.

The centre point of the mandala depicts the image of the deity some times it is represented by his or her symbols. The inner circle of present thangka portrays the attributes of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra. Guhyasamaja's name means secret union or assembly of the secret ones. Guhyasamaja is associated with the Buddha Akshobhya. The Guhyasamaja Tantra itself calls him Akshobhyavajra. In Tibet, he is particularly favoured by the Gelupa Order.

The centre of the mandala depicts Vajra-Chopper (Vajra-topped Chopper), generally symbolizes method and wisdom, and is held by Dakinis, Yamantaka, Mahakala and so on. The Chopper of Dakinis symbolizes the cutting of all negative forces, as the wisdom consciousness that terrifies all maras or emotional defilements and serves all conceptualizations. Moreover it cuts through the six hindrances to meditative contemplation – pride, lack of belief, lack of devotion, distraction, in-attention and boredom. Here it symbolizes union of male and female principle (method and wisdom). The Vajra-Chopper is surrounded with the symbol of Akshobhyavajra generally held by him and his consorts – the Vajra, which symbolizes Buddha clan of Akshobhya, the Lotus, the discriminating wisdom clan of Amitabha, the Wheel symbolizes the mirror wisdom clan of Vairochana, the jewel symbolizes the equality wisdom clan of Ratnasambhava, and the sword, the all-accomplishing wisdom clan of Amoghasiddhi. Thus Guhyasamaja Buddha symbolically represents the union of all the Buddha clans.

The inner circle of the mandala is surrounded by the circle of mount meru and the area outside this circle is filled with floral motifs. The building has four-gateways guarded by protective deities; syllable mantra is depicted in each gateways. Over the four gateways are buildings in which live the celestial deities. There are two victory banners each side of the gateways. The area outside the gateways is filled with flowers. The square is surrounded by four circles. The outer circle is of fire fence, which is florally rendered here. Then there is a circle of syllable mantra. Thereafter is the circle of lotus petals. The four corners of the painting are filled auspicious symbols, lotus, conch, wheel and cymbals.

The extended red brocade is decorated with auspicious symbols, stylized Vishva vajra and lotus etc. in gold. The painting is brilliantly drawn painted. It is very much suitable for esoteric practices.

Select Bibliography

Ben Meulenbeld, Buddhist Symbolism in Tibetan Thangka, Holland, 2001

J.C. Huntington and D. Bangdel, The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art, Ohio, 2004

Lokesh Chandra, Transcendental Art of Tibet, Delhi, 1996

Robert Beer, The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Boston, 1999

This description is by Dr. Shailendra K. Verma, whose Doctorate thesis is on "Emergence and Evolution of the Buddha Image (From its inception to 8th century A.D.)".

Click Here to View the Thangka Painting along with its Brocade

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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.