Lama Thanka Painting School

A fascinating element of Buddhist culture is Thanka (or Thangka) art. One element of Thanka art is the mandala, a circle that is a device for meditation. It serves as a visual aid for concentration and introspection which can lead to attaining deep insight, and the Lama Thanka Painting School has some of the very best examples of this art.

This is one of three paintings we bought. This one is a master work from Lama Thanka Painting School in Bhaktapur, and is considered one of the best in the Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy these closeups. The paint is a special formulation of 24 karat gold. Oddly, the pearls in the Buddha’s laps are a vibrant blue in person, but that does not come out in these pictures.

Breathtaking to behold, the sand mandala is the ultimate meditative expression. The sand mandala and the paintings we bought are examples of “stupa mandala”. A stupa is a Buddhist holy site for devotion, and if you look at the mandala you can imagine your self looking down on top of a stupa. The 3D look of the top of the stupa is my favorite feature, and one of the paintings we bought carries this effect.

The enlightened Buddha

Budda on the perimiter of the Mandala

Outer Buddha 2 – with pearl

This is a larger cutaway shot of the stupa mandala

This is the outdoor sign for the School

A newly finished master painting waiting to be blessed

This is Mr. Amit Mulepati from the painting school.

A gorgeous and delicate sand mandala on display in the master works room.