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)
