Under the Bodhi Tree
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Under the Bodhi Tree

$75
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
TH14
Framed Gemstones Tibetan Buddhist Thangka Painting
6" x 8"
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Moment of Enlightenment

This exquisite thangka painting captures a pivotal moment in spiritual history: the Buddha achieving enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. Rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, the artwork depicts Siddhartha Gautama in a serene meditation posture, his hands in the *vitarka mudra*, symbolizing the imparting of teachings and the turning of the Dharma wheel. The tranquil expression on his face conveys profound inner peace and the attainment of ultimate wisdom, a state that has inspired seekers for millennia. The Bodhi tree, a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment itself, forms the backdrop for this sacred scene. In Buddhist tradition, the Bodhi tree is more than just a plant; it is a living testament to the power of focused intention and the possibility of spiritual awakening. It is said that Mara, the demon king representing temptation and illusion, attempted to distract the Buddha with his armies and desires, but the Buddha remained steadfast. This painting evokes that powerful narrative, showcasing the triumph of inner strength over external distractions.

A Tapestry of Symbolism

The presence of the lotus beneath the Buddha is deeply significant. The lotus, which blooms in muddy waters but remains unstained, represents purity, compassion, and spiritual awakening, emerging unblemished from the cycle of suffering. The subtle inclusion of deer in the background is also meaningful, referencing the Deer Park at Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting the Four Noble Truths in motion. These elements are not mere decorative additions but integral components of the spiritual narrative conveyed through the thangka. Crafted using traditional Tibetan Buddhist artistic techniques, this thangka is more than just a beautiful image; it is a sacred object designed for contemplation and spiritual practice. Each stroke and color choice is imbued with centuries of tradition and devotional intent. The inclusion of gemstones, meticulously set, adds a layer of preciousness and luminosity, further enhancing the spiritual energy of the piece and inviting the viewer to connect with the divine. This small yet powerful artwork serves as a constant reminder of the potential for awakening within all beings and the profound teachings of the 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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