Description
This outstanding thangka by master artist Pasang Tamang depicts Wheel of Life in the pattern of Tibetan Buddhism. According to legend, the Buddha created the first depiction of this wheel at the request of a king seeking a gift for another monarch. The wheel illustrates the continuous journey of conscious beings, with a central hub, spokes, and a rim controlled by the lord of death.
The wheel is divided into six sections that depict various destinies, including the higher realms of humans, gods, and demigods and the lower realms of animals, hungry spirits, and hell, reflecting the spectrum of existence from joy to suffering. At the center, three animals— a cockerel, a pig, and a snake—represent the destructive emotions of attachment, ignorance, and hatred that entrap beings in the cycle of existence.
Surrounding the center, a circle illustrates the consequences of actions, split into two halves: commendable deeds on the left, leading to positive outcomes, and unwholesome actions on the right, resulting in sorrow. The wheel’s outer edge features the twelve links of dependent arising, which detail the process of existence from ignorance to aging and death. Various images visually represent these links, such as a blind person symbolizing a lack of awareness and a couple in an embrace representing connection. The circular design of the wheel emphasizes the perpetual cycle of life, while the twelve links demonstrate the interconnectedness of experiences. Above the wheel, a luminous full moon symbolizes the possibility of ending suffering, with the Buddha’s guidance providing reassurance and support to followers on their path to liberation.
Dimension:
Size with Border: 14 inches long x 11.5 inches wide
Size without Border: 12.5 inches long x 10 inches wide
Made of: Cotton canvas, acrylic paint and 24 K gold
The Wheel of Thangka Ritual is a significant practice in Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the creation and veneration of Thangkas—sacred scroll paintings that depict the Wheel of Life, or Bhavachakra. This Wheel serves as a profound visual representation of the cycle of samsara, illustrating the interconnected themes of birth, death, rebirth, and the path to liberation.
The ritual embodies a blend of creative dedication, reflective contemplation, and philosophical insights. The Wheel of Life is structured with a Central Hub that depicts the Three Poisons—delusion, attachment, and aversion—represented by a pig, a rooster, and a snake, which perpetuate suffering. The second layer illustrates the six realms of existence, including deities, half-divine beings, humans, animals, and hungry spirits. The outer rim presents the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, which elucidate the causes sustaining samsara. Governed by Yama, the deity of death, the Wheel symbolizes the transient nature of existence.
The ritual serves multiple purposes: it aims for spiritual awakening by fostering an understanding of samsara, purifies karmic obscuration’s through the creation or honoring of the Thangka, and acts as a visual aid for Buddhist teachings. It also invokes positive energies to support the practitioner’s spiritual journey.
The Thangka acts as a mirror for self-reflection, emphasizing the transient nature of existence and the potential for awakening, as symbolized by the Buddha at the top of the Wheel. The Wheel of Thangka Ritual holds contemporary significance, serving as a vital component in Buddhist teachings, retreats, and artistic expressions, and continues to educate and inspire in various settings worldwide.
Artist:
Our master artisan, Lal Lama, trained in the Tibetan tradition, painted this exquisite thangka.
Thangka Brocade:
Silk brocade borders traditionally encircle Thangkas. Silk fabric serves as the material for weaving brocade. We can provide brocade service upon request. Please let us know at info@buddhistcrafts.com if you are interested in this service; we will provide you with samples.
Thangka Consecration:
If you wish to consecrate Thangka, then please let us know. You can use the ritual to consecrate any representation of the body, speech, and mind. Once you order the Thangka and request consecration, we will complete it within two days. Rinpoche or a qualified lama from a Tibetan monastery will help perform this service. Rinpoche will bless the Thangka after consecration if he is available.
We kindly request a small donation of $25–40 for the monastery in recognition of his service.
Customization is also available for any size and design. We are ready to accept customized thangka; please message us your required size and design.
Delivery
We only offer delivery through FedEx for 5-7 business days with full insurance.
Brocade’s shipping charges vary depending on its weight. Brocading requires extra days. We will deliver brocaded thangka within 10–15 business days.
Packing:
We package the painting in a sturdy PVC or cardboard tube to prevent any damage and guarantee it reaches the customer in flawless condition.
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