The Role of Thangka
1. The Role of Thangka in the Development of Tibetan Society and Religion
From the content of Thangka, its themes are vast, covering everything from astronomy to geography, natural sciences, and humanities, almost encompassing all areas of knowledge. It is often referred to as the "encyclopedia of the Tibetan people." As a carrier of culture, Thangka serves society, but primarily, it serves religion. It is an object of meditation and contemplation for practitioners and a visual interpretation of religious teachings.
2. The Worship Function of Thangka
Thangka is a form of religious art, and its rise and development coincide with the introduction of Indian Buddhism into Tibet, which is not a coincidence. With the arrival of Buddhism, the religious life required the construction of many temples. Within these temples, the "Three Jewels" of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha were essential. The "Buddha Jewel" includes images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Vajras, and protective deities, all of which are objects of worship for religious followers. These can be represented as three-dimensional statues or as two-dimensional murals. Both are indispensable in religious life, thus fostering the creation and development of temple mural art.
3. The Propagation Function of Thangka
Exquisite Thangkas, through their images, spread Tibetan culture, telling the story of the nation's development, and expressing the Tibetan people's relentless spiritual pursuits. The propagation function of Thangka places religion at the forefront, with its themes mostly revolving around religious subjects. Additionally, Thangkas often narrate the history of Tibet, and many aspects of Tibetan history and culture have been widely disseminated through the propagation of Thangka. The spread of Thangka has played a significant role in the understanding and dissemination of knowledge in the Tibetan region.
4. The Purification Function of Thangka
Thangka, as a two-dimensional art form with strong religious, ethnic, and regional characteristics, developed gradually by absorbing foreign artistic influences based on traditional Tibetan painting. The process of creating and receiving Thangka is seen as a process of taking refuge in the Buddha's teachings, accumulating good karma and virtues, and undergoing spiritual purification and renewal. It is also a process of shaping and cultivating one's character.
The Significance of Thangka
1. Placing Thangka
Thangkas that have been consecrated (blessed) should not be placed in bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms. This is because consecration means that the Thangka is imbued with divine energy, and it is treated as sacred, equivalent to the Buddha or Bodhisattvas. Out of respect, it is not appropriate to place Thangkas in these areas. Thangkas depicting mandalas are best placed in the entrance hall , as they can better serve the function of protecting the home and bringing blessings. Thangkas depicting the Buddha are more appropriate for placement in living rooms or studies, where they are easier to venerate and offer prayers.
2. Mounting Thangka
There are two types of mounting for Thangka: Tibetan-style mounting and Han-style mounting (framing). Tibetan-style mounting is similar to the scroll mounting of Chinese paintings, where the Thangka is sewn onto fabric and mounted on wooden poles. If you choose this method, it is advised not to dismantle and reframe the Thangka later, as it may leave small pinholes around the edges. Han-style mounting is similar to that of decorative paintings, where the Thangka is separated from the glass by a cardboard backing (usually with two layers) and framed in wood. When choosing a wooden frame, it is important to select high-quality materials to prevent any distortion of the frame from affecting the Thangka.
3. Cleaning Thangka
Since Thangkas are painted with mineral powders mixed with glue, they are very sensitive to water. When cleaning a Thangka, it is recommended to use a soft, dry towel to gently wipe the Thangka. Thangkas mounted in Tibetan style should be cleaned once a month, while those framed in the Han style only need cleaning once a year. There is no need for daily cleaning.
