Tibetan monasteries are known for their culture and traditions, which are rooted in Buddhist teachings. An important aspect of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are ritualistic places dedicated to deities. Vajrayana Buddhism features intricate iconography which depicts deities and religious practices. To a devotee, images and icons bring luck or expel evil spirits. Thangkas at monasteries depict the Buddha, gurus, yantras, and mandalas which bring good luck, health, prosperity, wisdom, longevity, and peace.C. V. S. Ranga Sai, "Buddhist Motifs in Tibetan Thangkas". Research Dimensions (ISSN 0976-8564), vol. 2, issue IV, April 2012

Thangkas are colorful pictorial representations of religious iconography, fables, and philosophy, which became popular when they were introduced around the 8th century. The thangkas were painted on fabric that could be rolled, and their portability helped Buddhist monks to carry them from one place to another. Thangkas, as a medium for the propagation of ideology, spread from Nepal to Tibet and then to Mongolia.C. V. S. Ranga Sai, "Buddhist Art and Iconography: Array of Themes in Thangkas". National-level conference on trends in research, 5 January 2013, Vaze College, Mumbai, India

Types

Murals serve as visual representations of Buddhist teachings, stories, and deities. They acquaint followers with Buddhist tenets and its pantheon, history, folklore, and religious and cosmic objects.

Lineages

Murals depict the lineages of gurus (religious teachers) and their disciples. The guru-disciple relationship is fundamental to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). Knowledge and religious practices are passed from a guru to their disciples. Murals represent the array of guru lineages. Each school has its gurus and lineage of disciples. Tibetan Buddhism has five schools, the most recent of which is Bon. The other schools are Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug.

Mahasiddhas are saints who achieved the direct realization of the Buddha's teachings in a single lifetime. Hailing from all walks of life, eighty-four Mahasiddhas have lived between 750 and 1150 CE.

Bodhisattvas

Shakyamuni, also known as Gautama Buddha, is often at the center of murals. Representing enlightenment, he embodies wisdom, compassion, and liberation. The Five Buddha Families represent different aspects of enlightenment. Each family is associated with a specific Buddha, color, element, wisdom aspect, and emotion. In Vajrayana iconography, the visualization of Buddha in five forms is known as Dhyani Buddha. Buddha images are created with Vairocana in the center and Amitabha (Yodpame) in the west, Akshobhya (Mitrugpa) in the east, Amoghasidhi (Donyen Dondrup) in the north, and Ratnasambhava (Rinchen Jungney) in the south.

These Buddha families are depicted in murals to represent the full spectrum of enlightened qualities, and to inspire practitioners to cultivate and embody these qualities in their spiritual journey.

Bodhisattvas are compassionate beings who have attained advanced levels of realization but postpone their own enlightenment to help sentient beings. Avalokiteshvara (the embodiment of compassion), Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom), and Vajrapani (the embodiment of power) are among the most-revered bodhisattvas depicted in murals.

Tara is a female bodhisattva associated with compassion and swift assistance. She is depicted with one leg extended, ready to spring into action to aid sentient beings, and the other leg folded in a meditative position. Tara is often depicted with a green complexion, although she can also appear in white, red, or other colors; each represents a different aspect of her enlightenment. She has multiple arms, which symbolize her ability to engage in compassionate activities. Each of her hands holds a symbolic object or makes a unique gesture (mudra). Tara has 21 forms, each with a different colour and characteristics.

The Medicine Buddha, also known as Bhaisajyaguru, is a celestial Buddha associated with healing and the alleviation of suffering. He is often depicted in a deep-blue colour, holding a bowl of healing nectar.

Wrathful deities Mahakala, also known as the Great Black One, is a powerful deity associated with protection, overcoming obstacles, and the removal of negative forces. He is often pictured with a dark-blue or black complexion, adorned with a crown of skulls, and wearing a necklace of severed heads.

Yamantaka, also known as the Destroyer of Death, is a wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. He is pictured with a fearsome appearance, often with multiple heads, arms, and legs.

Wrathful deities (dharmapalas) are protectors and revered in various schools of Tibetan Buddhism as powerful entities tasked with guarding the dharma and its practitioners, warding off evils. They are often depicted in wrathful forms, symbolizing their fierce commitment to protecting the teachings of the Buddha and assisting practitioners on their path to enlightenment.

Dharmapalas were also conceived for directions. Vajrayana conceived Kuvera (Namthose) of the north, Dhritarashtra (Yulkorsung) of the east, Virudhka (Phagchepo) of the south, and Virupaksha (Chenmigzang) of the west. These deities are associated with specific colours and characteristics. They are associated with non-human forms, making them aggressive protectors.

Dakinis

Dakinis are female celestial beings associated with wisdom, spiritual guidance, and transformation. They are depicted in various forms, often dancing or flying in dynamic poses. In Tibetan Buddhism, dakinis are associated with specific practices, qualities, and functions.

The dakini pantheon is extensive, and their names and qualities vary across Tibetan Buddhist traditions and lineages. Dakinis play diverse roles, embodying wisdom, compassion, and transformative energy to guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

Mandalas

Mandalas are intricate geometric designs that represent the universe and are sacred spaces for meditation and visualization. Mandalas, with their symbolism and multifaceted themes, offer a rich tapestry for meditation, reflection, and spiritual exploration. They remind practitioners of the complexity of the universe and our place within it, guiding them towards greater awareness and understanding.

They are often depicted in murals, showcasing the intricate detail and symbolism associated with tantric practices. Mandalas are used as tools for concentration, visualization, and spiritual transformation.

Religious and cosmic objects Murals, objects of devotion, inspire reverence towards the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and deities depicted in them. Monasteries display cosmic charts, mandalas, and paintings of Vajrayana practices.

Monastic life and stories Monastery walls are often painted, with glimpses of monastic life and tales of Buddhist preaching and values. These artworks play a crucial role in teaching Buddhist principles and stories. They depict the life of the historical Buddha, important events in Buddhist history, and complex philosophical concepts. The murals use several art forms.

References