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About Thangka
RobinH
Europe Explorer
I've seen Hindu groups in the past on facebook and they were filled with Thangkas, everyone shared and loved them as they are the only artworks that could express something profound about their beliefs. Now I saw these in a local Buddhist group as well and it made me wonder what am I missing, because they either impress people so much that they also consider them superior to all kinds of other artworks regarding their beliefs or it's a case of fake it 'til you make it? (which would be in my case until I understand the awe surrounding these). Could you give me your personal insight on why these are special regardless of time and age?
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Thangka for the question
Regardless of time and age, I am the Kabba, the qualities of the 3 jewels and nothing more or less than the awareness and understanding invested in being a blade of grass...
Ithangka, as they say in the Holy Apple as available in Eden
You shouldn’t have complimented him, @RobinH, it has clearly gone to his head…
I didn't, I was referencing Willem Dafoe's character from The Lighthouse to be funny, but obviously meant with no disrespect. Still, lobster works in mysterious ways it seems, for I cannot comprehend the message. At least there's a good mood.
The thing about Thangkas is that each is a visual metaphor representing the qualities we hope to develop as we progress to enlightenment. For instance, the qualities of Chenrezig represent compassion and each details in the image is a symbolic representation. of compassion If you understant the metaphors in the Thangka, focusing on it helps your mind focus on the inner changes you are seeking to develop within.
Its value does like in the "art" of it, but in how you respond to it. Buddhism is more about mind-training than about "awe" or emotion. You train your mind to be aware, and you learn from your own developing awareness. And, as psychology says, "Learning is shown by a permanent change in some kind of behavior."
Well a lots of parts are still confusing to me about Buddhism. One's not supposed to think of these depicted as deities, some independent, outside being who will bring fortune or misfortune, right? Yet I can't shake the feeling that's how one would naturally think about them depicted like this.
Thanks @FoibleFull that is pretty much as I understood it but had kind of forgotten.
The images at the centre of the thangka stand for a Buddha, arhat, deity or lama from history or story, and his or her attributes which are visually represented. If you know how to read it, it is a visual guide. The areas around the edges are evocative of place or retinu.