Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist works of art, a visual representation of the holy bodies of the Buddhas. Painted using specific techniques that are not often seen in Western artistry, the technique of painting a thangka has remained unchanged for hundreds of years – a thangka in itself is a visual snapshot of the artistic techniques of the Himalayas.
Students with deep guru devotion sometimes commission thangkas of their teachers, and use such paintings as the main image on their altars. These types of thangkas are extremely rare, and only available with the permission of the spiritual guide who feels it may benefit his students’ practice.
A decade ago, when His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche was in Kathmandu, a few close students had the opportunity to commission such a painting of him. Whilst the original hangs proudly in the home of a devoted student, you can invite a photographic reproduction back to your home.
Now available in 4R size, this is an excellent image for those with smaller or travelling altars, especially students of Tsem Rinpoche and those who would like to create a spiritual connection with this incomparable Lama.