Thangka commissions

A thangka painting is not simply a decoration or a creation of beauty, but is the means to convey the iconography and lineage essential for a Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner. These works of art function as models on which the practitioner can reflect and meditate.

There are many reasons for commissioning a thangka, the most common being to create an object of devotional practice, which will lead to the accumulation of merit. Looking at a thangka is in itself considered to be a meritorious activity. By further meditating on such objects, under the guidance of a qualified teacher, one can train the mind and gain an understanding of certain types of awareness that the specific image portrays.

Other reasons for commissioning a thangka painting may be to bring about good health, prosperity or long life. Sometimes they are commissioned to aid the recovery of a sick person, or to protect a person, or to help in the rebirth of someone who has died.

In these cases a spiritual teacher or Lama is usually consulted to advise on which deity should be painted to be of greatest benefit to that person.

Thus there are many different forms a thangka may take, depending on what the patron wishes to use the painting for.

At Tsering Art School, thangkas are made in response to the customers orders, and with careful accuracy to the text. Each thangka is designed to meet the patrons particular requirements and will be carefully researched from the appropriate sacred texts, or by consulting lamas from particular lineages.

For more information see How to order