Art as a Spiritual Practice - Owning Buddhist Thangka Art for Enlightenment
The Buddhist Tradition of Thangka art serves a very different and high purpose. It is foremost a form of worship. Buddhist Art and the process of creating it, is seen as a direct path to enlightenment- the full unfoldment of human potential. The purpose of such art is to develop ultimate wisdom in the artist and and also the observer of the art. The enlightenment of all sentient beings should be the sole motivation of the artist according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. To meet this lofty goal, creating Buddhist art necessitates a deep understanding of the tenets and doctrines of Buddhism within the mind and heart of the artist. Living these tenets and adhering to the practices of art as outlined in the...