Thangka Paintings an expression of Tibetan Buddhism Through art.
Thangka paintings are the most prominent Tibetan Buddhist art style. They are typically paintings of buddhist symbols as well as deities. They can also serve as teaching aids in Traditional Tibetan Medicine. A Thangka Painter is usually a Tibetan Buddhist who has spent more than 6 years studying the Tibetan Art Style. It is important that the artist is a follower of Tibetan Buddhism so that the Tibetan paintings have a good motivation behind them. After completion of one of these Thangka paintings a consecration ceremony is performed by monks.
Thangka paintings have 4 main purposes. First they act as a way of gaining karma through merit. They also serve to aid the dead during transmigration. After death it takes between 7 and 49 days to be reincarnated and the Tibetan art can be used to positively influence the dead’s karma through Buddhist rituals conducted by the monks. Thangka paintings are also used during meditation as it is easier to focus on these Tibetan arts solely during meditation. They are also used during tantric practices in a similar fashion.
These Tibetan paintings are also used as a teaching tool. With Tibetan Buddhists using them to teach lay people about Buddhism and Buddhist art. They are also used to convey medical ideas such as plants and minerals used in Traditional Tibetan Medicine.
Thangka Paintings have been commercialized in recent years with increasing tourism in Tibetan areas. This has been a positive way to teach tourists about Tibetan Buddhist art and culture. It is largely seen as a positive way to propagate Buddhist culture and is seen as a way to further Tibetan Buddhism through Buddhist art. Studies were done that show that 1 in 10,000 tourists purchase a Thangka painting. Of these individuals around 70% of them have a basic understanding about Tibetan Buddhism and are actually using the Thangka Paintings for their intended purpose. Most importantly, commercialization has allowed this wonderful Tibetan art style to thrive and prosper.