Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka – Life Story Assembly

Specifications

• Dimensions: 125 x 80 cm

• Materials: 24K Gold & Natural Mineral Pigments on Cotton Canvas

• Canvas: Traditionally Prepared Cotton Canvas

• Origin: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

• Artistic Style: Newari Style (Nepalese)

• Background Type: Sacred Landscape

• Framing: Unframed Canvas

• Type: Original Hand-Painted Thangka

• Consecration: Blessed and Consecrated by Qualified Lamas

Iconography & Sacred Assembly

This Thangka reveals the Buddha's enlightened journey. Every figure portrays profound dharma.

Central Figure – Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha sits at the heart, serene and radiant. His golden body embodies ultimate enlightenment.

• Gesture: Right hand earth-touching (Bhumisparsha), left hand holds a begging bowl.

• Sacred Object: Begging bowl rests on his lap.

• Presence: Profound — radiating peace and wisdom.

Inner Circle Around Central Figure

His lotus throne is ornate and majestic. Red Garudas and dragons guard each side.

• Symbolism: Cosmic power and protection for the enlightened one.

• Role: Guardians of the Dharma, overcoming obstacles. Two principal disciples flank the central Buddha. They listen intently, embodying devotion.

• Symbolism: Represents the ideal monastic followers, preserving teachings.

• Role: Models of conduct, receivers of the Dharma.

Left Side of Shakyamuni Buddha (Viewer's Right)

• Amitabha & Medicine Buddha: Two Buddhas sit at the top left. Amitabha and Medicine Buddha bless this space.

  • Symbolism: Infinite light, healing, and boundless compassion.

  • Role: Guide to Pure Lands, dispeller of sickness.

• One Arhat and Manjushri: An Arhat sits with Manjushri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Manjushri wields the sword of discernment.

  • Symbolism: Wisdom cutting through ignorance, attained liberation.

  • Role: Spiritual guide, embodiment of prajna.

• One Arhat and White Tara: An Arhat joins compassionate White Tara. She grants long life and peacefulness.

  • Symbolism: Pure compassion, healing, fearlessness.

  • Role: Protector, bestower of longevity.

• Six Arhats (3 pairs): Six Arhats are depicted in three pairs. They symbolize achieved liberation from suffering.

  • Symbolism: Enlightened disciples, preserving the Buddha's teachings.

  • Role: Exemplars of the monastic path, objects of veneration.

Right Side of Shakyamuni Buddha (Viewer's Left)

• Shakyamuni Buddha & Chenrezig: Shakyamuni Buddha appears with Chenrezig. Chenrezig embodies universal compassion.

  • Symbolism: Wisdom and compassion united, universal awakening.

  • Role: Source of teaching, boundless loving-kindness.

• Vajrasattva and One Arhat: Vajrasattva, the purification Buddha, sits with an Arhat. He cleanses karmic obscurations.

  • Symbolism: Purity, purification of negative actions.

  • Role: Remover of defilements, spiritual cleanser.

• Green Tara and One Arhat: Green Tara, the swift liberator, is with an Arhat. She removes obstacles with urgency.

  • Symbolism: Active compassion, protection from dangers.

  • Role: Savior, swift fulfillment of prayers.

• Six Arhats (3 pairs): Six more Arhats appear in three pairs. They show varied stages of realization.

  • Symbolism: Path of liberation, perfected monastic life.

  • Role: Upholders of the Vinaya, wisdom holders.

Directly Down to Shakyamuni Buddha

Directly below, wrathful Yamantaka emerges. He is surrounded by blazing flames.

• Symbolism: Conqueror of death and ignorance, embodiment of wisdom.

• Role: Protector of Dharma, vanquisher of obstacles. He has nine heads, thirty-four hands, and sixteen legs. He embraces consort Vajravetali.

• Symbolism: Union of wisdom and method, primordial purity.

• Role: Tantric guardian, ultimate destroyer of ego.

Outer Layers of Deities Around Central Figure

Outer Left Top (Viewer's Perspective)

A standing Buddha descends from Tushita heaven. A great ladder rises behind him.

• Symbolism: Return from teaching his mother, universal respect.

• Role: Demonstrates filial piety, compassionate outreach. Many deities float on clouds, welcoming him. They offer celestial homage and reverence.

• Symbolism: Celestial homage, recognition of his enlightened status.

• Role: Witnesses to profound spiritual event.

Outer Left Middle (Viewer's Perspective)

A sitting Buddha holds a blue flower and begging bowl. Chenrezig sits directly above him.

• Symbolism: Purity of teaching, compassionate guidance.

• Role: Offering of Dharma, embodiment of selfless love. Ten Buddhas flank Chenrezig, side-by-side. Disciples gather around the Buddha, listening intently.

• Symbolism: Vast assembly of enlightened ones, devoted followers.

• Role: Supporting wisdom, receiving teachings.

Outer Left Low (Viewer's Perspective)

A golden figure cuts his own hair. This is Prince Siddhartha's Great Renunciation.

• Symbolism: Abandonment of worldly life, ultimate sacrifice.

• Role: Initiation of the spiritual path, seeking truth. A white female figure holds his hair. Others offer white clothes for him.

• Symbolism: Respect for his choice, provision for monastic life.

• Role: Aiding his journey, witness to his resolve. A team holds Chatras with majestic white elephants. They form a dignified royal farewell.

• Symbolism: Royal origins, auspiciousness of his new path.

• Role: Symbolic send-off, acknowledging his princely status.

Outer Right Top (Viewer's Perspective)

The Buddha lies semi-reclined in Mahaparinirvana. A Chatra canopy shelters him.

• Symbolism: Final cessation of suffering, ultimate liberation.

• Role: Inspires devotees, marks his passing from physical form. Disciples gather around and above him. They witness his peaceful passing with reverence.

• Symbolism: Mourning and veneration, affirmation of impermanence.

• Role: Keepers of his legacy, understanding his liberation.

Outer Right Middle (Viewer's Perspective)

Shakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus posture. His right hand touches his lap.

• Symbolism: Steadfastness in Dharma, conveying profound teachings.

• Role: Source of guidance, embodying enlightened mind. Fourteen Buddhas (Pachadi) surround him. Disciples listen attentively to his words.

• Symbolism: Lineage of enlightenment, spread of Dharma.

• Role: Embodying the Sangha, receiving Buddha's wisdom. Wrathful figures appear around him. They guard the sacred space and teachings.

• Symbolism: Protectors against defilements, maintaining purity.

• Role: Safeguarding the teachings, dispelling negativity.

Outer Right Low (Viewer's Perspective)

Shakyamuni Buddha touches the earth in mudra. Amitabha Buddha is just above him.

• Symbolism: Calling earth as witness to enlightenment, triumph over evil.

• Role: Final victory over temptation, unwavering resolve. Mara's hordes surround him, attempting distraction. Disciples watch below, inspired.

• Symbolism: Obstacles to awakening, power of inner strength.

• Role: Proving enlightenment, inspiring courage.

Eleven Protective Figures (Bottom Layer)

Eleven powerful protectors guard the Thangka's base. They ensure the Dharma's purity.

• Symbolism: Guardians of truth, dispellers of hindrances.

• Role: Safeguard practitioners, remove negativities.

• Vaisravana (Middle): Vaisravana sits centrally, the Northern Guardian King. He brings wealth and spiritual well-being.

  • Symbolism: Prosperity, protection of the Dharma.

  • Role: Bestows temporal and spiritual blessings.

• Virūpākṣa (Far Left): Virūpākṣa, blue-bodied, holds a spear or club. He guards the West and protects Nagas.

  • Symbolism: Watchful protector, ensures peace.

  • Role: Dispels conflict, safeguards beings.

• Dhṛtarāṣṭra (Next Right): Dhṛtarāṣṭra, pale-bodied, plays a lute or vīṇā. He is the Eastern Guardian King.

  • Symbolism: Harmony, guardian of musicians.

  • Role: Protects from discord, fosters peace.

• Budai / Hotei: The Laughing Buddha, Budai/Hotei, sits smiling. He embodies joy, good fortune, and abundance.

  • Symbolism: Contentment, generosity, happiness.

  • Role: Inspires inner peace, removes worries.

• Vajrapani: Vajrapani, wrathful and blue, wields a vajra. He embodies the Buddha's immense power.

  • Symbolism: Unwavering strength, destroys ignorance.

  • Role: Fierce protector, source of spiritual energy.

• Six-armed Mahakala: The Six-armed Mahakala fiercely defends Dharma. He holds various powerful ritual weapons.

  • Symbolism: Swift action, protection from all obstacles.

  • Role: Guardian against negativities, upholder of vows.

• Yama Dharma Raja: Yama Dharma Raja judges beings' karma. He upholds justice and the sacred dharma.

  • Symbolism: Lord of Death, karmic law, righteous judgment.

  • Role: Motivates virtuous conduct, guardian of precepts.

• Palden Lhamo (Sri Devi): Palden Lhamo rides her mule through blood. She is a powerful female protector.

  • Symbolism: Fierce wisdom, protector of Tibetan Buddhism.

  • Role: Dispels enemies, ensures Dharma's continuity.

• Royal Lay Patron / King: A royal lay patron, or king, is also present. He signifies worldly support for the Dharma.

  • Symbolism: Temporal power aligned with spiritual aims.

  • Role: Protector of monastic institutions, sponsor of teachings.

• Vaiśravaṇa (Second Instance): Another Vaiśravaṇa appears as a guardian. He brings prosperity and powerful protection.

  • Symbolism: Northern guardian, material and spiritual wealth.

  • Role: Secures resources, defends against poverty.

• Virūḍhaka: Virūḍhaka, the Southern Guardian King, is seen. He promotes growth and robust protection.

  • Symbolism: Guardian against disease, responsible for growth.

  • Role: Fosters health, wards off illness.

Sacred Background & Landscape

Shakyamuni dwells in a vibrant celestial landscape. Clouds and rich floral motifs create a heavenly setting.

• Style: Newari with rich greens, blues, and golds.

• Visual Symbols: Auspicious clouds, flowing rivers, jeweled mountains.

• Spiritual Meaning: Represents pure lands, mind's potential for awakening.

• Essence: A visual journey through enlightened realms.

Artisan Mastery

A Nepalese master painted this with profound skill. Every brushstroke carries centuries of devotion.

• Tradition: Newari School known for intricate detail and vibrant color.

• Aesthetic Tone: Luminous colors, harmonious composition, deeply inspiring.

• Technique: Hand-painted with 24K gold and pure mineral pigments.

• Spirit: Created as a sacred offering, guiding spiritual practice.

Spiritual Application

This Thangka works with you, not just for you. Gaze upon it to invite deep inner peace.

• Heart Mantra: OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYE SVAHA — purifies the mind.

• Meditation: Visualize the Buddha's life story, dissolving obscurations.

• Blessing: Radiates wisdom and compassion to your environment.

• Purpose: A daily gateway for insight, calm, and awakening.

Why Choose This Shakyamuni Buddha Thangka

Sacred art chooses you as much as you choose it. Here is why this Thangka belongs in your space.

• Lasting Value: Hand-painted sacred art deepens with time. This is a heritage piece, not temporary decoration.

• Daily Anchor: One glance reconnects you to profound wisdom. No elaborate ritual is needed to feel the effect.

• For Everyone: You don’t need deep Buddhist study to receive its blessings. Just open your heart to the imagery.

• Path Illumination: His presence helps clarify your spiritual journey. You will feel a shift toward clarity and purpose.