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When you have something that can't be shared with others, tell
it to the Buddha -- most Chinese believe that Buddha forgives and
blesses.
An exhibition featuring nearly 20 pieces of Thangka artworks
sheds some light on the status of the Buddha in the hearts of
Tibetans.
Originating during the 8th century AD, Thangka is an art form
unique to Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan, "Than" means flat while the
suffix "ka" means painting.
Thangkas are colorful paintings that have been embroidered or
painted on silk, leather or paper. They can be painted banners
hanging in monasteries or on a family altar. They are carried by
Tibetan monks in ceremonial processions.
The content of most Thangka pieces consists mainly of images of
Buddhas, other deities, the life stories of eminent monks or
illustrate folk customs. The structure of a Tibetan Thangka is
precise and balanced.
"We were amazed when we first saw them in Tibet,"
says Zhang Jindi, organizer of the exhibition. "Although the
painting method employs bright colors and line drawings, yet there
is something pious and powerful that emanates from these
paintings."
According to Zhang, the Thangkas on show come from Gemo Temple
in Qinghai
Province and the 8th Wujia Rinpoche accompanied them to
Shanghai. In other words, the Thangkas on display have been
consecrated.
Established in 1927, Gemo Temple is noted as a teaching center
for practitioners of Dakini.
The identity of the 8th Wujia Rinpoche - he is also the Rinpoche
at Labrang Temple - is said to have been revealed 20 years after
his birth.
"You can hardly imagine how hard life is in that region," says
Zhang. "There is almost no road leading to the temple."
The sales of some of the Thangkas, according to Zhang, will
assist in improving medical treatment and transport around the Gemo
Temple and the surrounding areas.
It's a pity that the Rinpoche could stay in Shanghai for only a
few days because he has much to do for the people back at Gemo
Temple.
However, he left behind his blessings - in the form of the
colorful Thangkas - for local visitors to the exhibition.
(Shanghai Daily August 22, 2005)
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