Xiangqi Yang

Professor Amanda Goodman

RLG206

October 31, 2023

Painting of the Wheel of Life

This pair of thangkas is from 19th-century Tibet. The thangka is a unique religious art

form that is a visual masterpiece and an essential tool for Buddhist meditation and teaching.

Thangkas are usually produced by professional artists with extensive training who are well

versed in this sacred art form, sometimes completing the work within the temple by a single

artist or multiple artisans working together. Because of its complexity and spirituality, this type

of artwork greatly values handmade craftsmanship and stays away from mass production.

Thangka, a genre of religious art known as "thangka painting," shares common characteristics

such as iconography and symbolism, which play a central role in Buddhist practice.

Metaphorically, thangkas are closely related to the concepts they depict, such as the wheel of

life, deities and spiritual teachings. They are closely related to Buddhist beliefs and are

commonly used in ritual practices as meditation aids and teaching tools. Thangkas can facilitate

personal meditation, prayer, and social interaction in rituals and teachings. In addition, thangkas

themselves can be used as gifts, exchanges, and even offerings and have deep cultural and

spiritual value. Ownership of thangkas is closely related to individual and group identity. First,

possessing a thangka is usually associated with a religious identity that expresses an individual's

or group's commitment to and belief in Buddhism. In Buddhist communities, thangkas are tools

for practice and symbols of faith. Secondly, thangkas are also important symbols of cultural

identity, especially for Tibetan and Himalayan peoples. Thangkas in these communities reflect
religious beliefs, rich cultural traditions, and history. Finally, thangkas can symbolize community

identity, reflecting the piety and resources of their owners. For many people of Tibetan and

Himalayan ethnicity, thangkas are an essential part of their cultural and religious heritage.

Overall, this 19th-century Tibetan thangka is more than a work of art; it is rich in cultural and

spiritual significance. As a religious and cultural symbol, it serves an important religious and

educational role within the Buddhist community and is also an important symbol of Tibetan and

Himalayan national identity. The existence and circulation of this thangka demonstrate the

enduring appeal of an ancient art form and reveal the profound impact of religious and cultural

identity in people's lives.