Newari Panch Buddha Mandala (Brocadeless Thangka)

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Bordered by beautiful blue and floral outlines, the design of the Vajradhatu Mandala is derived from the Tibetan text- Sarva Tathagata Tattva Samagraha Tantra. The Mandala, where the Five Transcendental Buddhas reside, is a combination of geometric patterns representing the cosmos itself. Inside the protective circles of the Mandala in this Newari Thangka painting, the artist has drawn the Five Transcendental Buddhas. In the center is Vairochana, who presides over the Vajradhatu Mandala. Gleaming like the moon, Vairochana resides in the Akanishta heaven and removes ignorance, illusions, and desires. Surrounding him are the other four Buddhas, each ruling over a transcendental abode, representing the Buddha's characteristics and presiding over a direction.

Inverted beneath Vairochana in this Pancha Buddha Thangka, in a blue tone is Buddha Akshobhya- one who is without anger. He signifies the unshakable firmness of the mind on the path to Bodhi. He is sitting in the earth-touching posture- a reminder of the Buddha’s unchanging attitude even in the face of Mara’s challenges during his quest for Enlightenment. From his celestial home in Abhirati, Akshobhya rules over the East. To his left, emanating a golden luster is Buddha Ratnasambhava- the Jewel Bearing One. He is considered the human form of the legendary wish-granting jewel. He holds the knowledge of the fundamental nature of all beings. Ratnasambhava in this Newari Pancha Buddha Thangka, living in his Ratnabhuvana heaven holds sway over the South. Fourth in this Vajradhatu Mandala Thangka is Buddha Amitabha who is seen as the manifestation of supreme awakening. He rules over the West, and unfurls the lotus mind of the devotee, leading them to enlightened wisdom. He is seated within the red-hued triangle, formed from the light of wisdom that originates from his red-colored transcendental body. In the northern direction, as the embodiment of Nirvana resides Buddha Amoghasiddhi, identifiable by his green form. Amoghasiddhi means “the unfettered knowledge” and placed in his paradise called Amoghavati, this fifth Transcendental Buddha ensures the removal of all passions and ties of his devotee and brings perfection in their actions.

The realm containing the Pancha Buddhas is adorned with royal and auspicious motifs and mammoth-like mythical creatures with their tusks forming majestic golden arches. Outside the circles of the Mandala, dark green floral vines fill the background, against which Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara along with the Buddhist “Ashtamangala” or eight auspicious signs is presented. The upper and the lower section of this Vajradhatu Thangka contain rows of Buddhist protector deities and Bodhisattvas in independent arched structures.

A tapestry of vibrant colors, intermingling of artistic and architectural elements in the painting, and the sheer degree of detailing which is the characteristic feature of Buddhist Thangka painting- all the attributes have been employed in making this Newari Pancha Buddha Mandala Thangka. Once hanged on the wall of your space, this Newari Thangka will transport you to the celestial home of the Pancha Buddha.

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.