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OM Mandala with Ashtamangala Symbols

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Name: OM Mandala with Ashtamangala Symbols
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: TN12
Price: 255.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$255

The Om is the holiest sound for Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This syllable is mentioned at the beginning of many rituals, symbolizing the sound of being, of the universe coming to life. In this thanka, the Om symbol sits at the core of the mandala. The holy script for the Om is written in gold against a rich red backdrop, highlighting the symbol and drawing the attention to the middle part first, and then outwards to the other elements of the thanka. Surrounding the Om symbol and characters in with aesthetic depictions are Ashtamangala symbols.

Ashtamangala is an ancient and holy suite symbolizing the Eight Auspicious Signs of Buddhism. These eight symbols are also considered the attributes of a person with an enlightened mind. Unlike the bright golden color of the Om at the center, the Ashtamangala suite is tastefully painted with a darker palette. In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, these eight things are gifted to Shakyamuni Buddha after his enlightenment. Below the symbol of the Om is the conch (serene and beautiful sound of the dharma). Clockwise next to it is the endless knot (unity of all things), the victory flag (success over the four hindrances to enlightenment), and next to it is the Dharmachakra or Wheel of the Law. Directly above the Om is the jeweled parasol used for protection against misfortune or illness. Beside it is the pair of golden fish (auspiciousness of all conscious beings), the vase (wealth and wisdom), and finally the lotus flower (purity). Together with the OM, these eight signs are meant to inspire people to strive for an enlightened life.

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Item Code:	TN12
Specifications:	Tibetan Thangka Painting
Dimensions	Size of Painted Surface 15 inch X 15 inch Size with Brocade 27 inch X 40 inch

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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.

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