Under the Bodhi Tree

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Name: Under the Bodhi Tree
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZE84
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

AU$88

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Specifications

	ZE84
	Framed Gemstones Painting
	6" x 8"

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Awakening Under Sacred Boughs

Step into a realm of profound peace and enlightenment with this exquisite gemstone painting, a captivating depiction of a pivotal moment in spiritual history. This piece captures the serene essence of Siddhartha Gautama's meditation beneath the sacred Bodhi tree, the very site where he attained Buddhahood and unlocked the secrets of the universe. The scene is rendered with meticulous detail, bringing to life the tranquil atmosphere of this hallowed ground.

A Moment of Divine Revelation

The painting portrays the young prince, now on the cusp of transformation, seated in the classic lotus posture. His hands are delicately poised in the *vitarka mudra*, the gesture of teaching and the transmission of dharma. This powerful hand position signifies the unfolding of wisdom and the dispelling of doubt. The gentle expression on his face, eyes closed in deep contemplation, invites viewers to share in the profound stillness of his awakening. Surrounding him is a soft, ethereal glow, symbolizing the immense spiritual energy that radiated from him during this momentous period. The vibrant colors, from the rich saffron of his robes to the earthy tones of the landscape, create a visual tapestry that resonates with the deep spiritual vibrations of the scene.

Echoes of Ancient Lore

The Bodhi tree itself, a Ficus religiosa, is more than just a tree in this depiction; it is a living symbol of enlightenment and spiritual growth. Legend tells us that the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated was the site where, for seven weeks after his awakening, he experienced the bliss of liberation. During this time, he reflected on the nature of reality and the cycle of suffering. It is said that Mara, the demon king, tempted him with sensual pleasures and fearsome armies, but the Buddha remained steadfast, his resolve as unshakeable as the ancient roots of the Bodhi tree. The presence of deer in the background further enhances the mythological context, often associated with serenity and the natural world finding solace in the presence of the awakened one.

A Treasure of Devotion

Crafted with the finest gemstones, this painting elevates the devotional artwork to a new level of artistry and spiritual significance. The embedded gemstones catch the light, adding a subtle shimmer and depth that traditional paintings cannot replicate, subtly hinting at the radiant, jewel-like quality of spiritual realization. This piece is more than just an artwork; it is an invocation of peace, a reminder of the potential for enlightenment that resides within all beings, and a timeless tribute to the enduring legacy of the Buddha. It serves as a beautiful focal point for meditation, a source of inspiration, and a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

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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