Tibetan Buddhism is a religion that is replete with fantastic and mysterious symbolism. But one symbol that would readily catch your eyes during a Tibetan religious festival is the Tibetan Thangka. But what is this Tibetan Thangka and what is its significance in Buddhism?
A Thangka is a scroll painting used for worship in Tibetan Buddhism. As a scroll painting and a work of art, the Thangka is always appealing. In fact, it would readily tantalize your eyes with its brilliant colors and elaborate scenes.
As a form of art and religious symbol, it is basically unique to Tibetan Buddhism for it is not just a religious symbol. It also tells something about the unique history, culture, policies, social life, practices, and many other aspects of the lives of the Tibetan people.
Where did the Thangka Originate?
The origin of the Thangka is not easy to trace. It would require us to go back in time, back to the Neolithic age in the Tibetan Plateau. The Thangka could be traced back to the Mogao caves along the silk road. Inside these caves, the earliest surviving paintings of Tibetan origin were found. These Tibetan paintings were set on the walls of the caves, though some of them were set on cloth.
From these early forms of Tibetan, paintings evolved the traditional scroll paintings, which were later perfected during the Tubo Dynasty. The Tubo Dynasty was a period of powerful rulers in Tibetan History. This Dynasty started when a great Tibetan ruler by the name of Songtsan Gambo united the 10 separate tribes of Tibet during China's Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Based on an old legend, however, Songtsan Gambo, a Tubo King, started the tradition of the Thangka. Prompted by divine guidance and using the crimson blood that was oozing down his nose, he began to paint Bailamu. Thus, the first Thangka was created. Legend also said that the Living Buddha hid the first Thangka within the abdomen of the statue of Bailamu.
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The Thangka as a Meditational Tool
Since the Thangka depicts the physical manifestations and the distinctive qualities of Buddha, it readily becomes a meditational tool for those who would like to reflect on the life and existence of Buddha. It is also believed that believers who meditate on the scenes and depictions on the Thangka gain merits and further make progress in their spiritual quest.