Tibetan Deities Explained: Which Thangka Is Right for You?
Kunsang
“The figures on a thangka are not decoration. Each one stands for a quality you can strengthen in yourself.”
When customers stand in front of the thangkas in our shop in Bern, almost the same question always comes up: “Who is that, actually?” Then I explain what the figure stands for and what you can discover in the picture. Here you'll find it all in one article: ten figures, their stories, their symbols and a small guide to which one might suit you.
Are they gods?
In everyday speech people often say “gods”, but Buddhism sees it differently. There is no creator god who rules the world. The figures on thangkas are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and great teachers. They show what an awakened, compassionate and wise mind looks like. That is why Tibetans speak of deities as a mirror: you contemplate them to awaken the same qualities in your own mind.
What is a thangka?
A thangka is a Tibetan scroll painting. The motif sits in a brocade frame and is held at the top and bottom by a rod, so it can be hung up and rolled away again. Traditionally it serves as an aid to meditation and as a reminder in everyday life. Our scroll pictures have printed motifs in brocade frames, ready to hang.
Which figure suits you?
The choice is not an exam. Simply ask yourself what you need most right now. Tap the card that speaks to you:
Shakyamuni Buddha: the historical Buddha
Shakyamuni is Siddhartha Gautama, the man who was born around 2,500 years ago in Lumbini in present-day Nepal and awakened under a tree in Bodh Gaya. On the thangka he sits in the lotus position, his right hand touches the earth and the alms bowl rests in his left. With this gesture he called the earth as witness to his awakening. The image stands for grounding, steadiness and the beginning of the path.
Medicine Buddha: healing for body and mind
The Medicine Buddha (Tibetan Sangye Menla) is shown in deep lapis lazuli blue. In his left hand he holds a bowl of healing nectar, in his right the myrobalan, a medicinal plant that plays a major role in Tibetan medicine. People turn to him when they think of health, their own or that of loved ones. A thangka does not replace medical treatment. It is an image that reminds us of care.
Green Tara: swift help and protection
Tara (Tibetan Dolma) is the female Buddha of compassion in action. According to tradition she arose from a tear of Chenrezig, who saw how much suffering there is in the world. Green Tara sits with one leg extended, as if about to stand up and help. Tibetans call on her in fears and dangers, when travelling and in difficult moments. She is one of the best-loved figures in the whole country.
White Tara: calm and long life
White Tara stands for peace, health and a long life. She has seven eyes: two in her face, one on her forehead and one each in her palms and on the soles of her feet. They see all suffering, even what is usually overlooked. Her light is soft and white like moonlight. The image suits rooms where you want to come to rest, such as the bedroom or meditation room.
Chenrezig: the compassion of all Buddhas
Chenrezig (Sanskrit Avalokiteshvara) embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. On the thangka he has four arms: two hands rest before the heart holding a wish-fulfilling jewel, the others hold a prayer bead string and a lotus flower. He is the protector of Tibet. In the tradition the Dalai Lama is regarded as his emanation. His mantra is probably the best known in the world and appears on many prayer wheels and flags.
Manjushri: wisdom and clear thinking
Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of wisdom. In his raised right hand he holds the flaming sword that cuts through ignorance. Beside him blooms a lotus bearing the book of wisdom. Students and everyone who wants to concentrate like to turn to him. A lovely gift for someone who is learning.
Guru Rinpoche: the lotus-born
Guru Rinpoche, also called Padmasambhava, brought the tantric teaching of the Buddha to Tibet in the 8th century. His name means “the lotus-born”. In his right hand he holds a vajra, in his left a skull cup with a vase of long life. His staff rests in the crook of his arm. He is regarded as the one who overcomes obstacles. Many people place him at their side when something new begins.
Yellow Dzambhala: abundance and generosity
Dzambhala is one of the wealth deities. In his hand he holds a mongoose that spits out jewels. The image means abundance in a wider sense: having enough, being grateful and sharing gladly. It is not a promise of money. Whoever hangs him up is reminded of the generosity from which abundance first arises.
Je Tsongkhapa: the scholar with the yellow hat
Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was a great scholar and the founder of the Gelug school, to which the Dalai Lama also belongs. He founded Ganden Monastery and wrote works on the gradual path to awakening. You recognise him by his pointed yellow hat and hands in the teaching gesture. He stands for study, discipline and a clear path.
View Je Tsongkhapa thangkaMilarepa: the yogi who walked the path
Milarepa (11th/12th century) is one of Tibet's best-loved yogis and poets. His story gives courage: he lived for years as a hermit in the mountains and, according to tradition, lived on nettles until his skin turned greenish. His songs are still known today. On the thangka he sits on a hide with a bowl of nettles. Below you can see the hunter with his bow, the dog and the deer. According to legend, the hunter later became his student.
View Milarepa thangkaHow to hang a thangka
Traditionally a thangka is hung at eye level or higher in a quiet, clean place, not in the bathroom or toilet and never on the floor. A wall without direct sunlight protects the colours. All you need is a hook.
You'll find more sizes and motifs in the Thangkas collection. A mala for counting mantras and incense for the evening go well with it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be Buddhist to hang a thangka?No. Many people hang a thangka because the motif speaks to them or reminds them of a quality. What matters is that you treat it with respect.
Which figure should I choose first?Choose the one that makes you feel calmer when you look at it. That matters more than any rule.
Are your thangkas hand-painted?Our scroll pictures have printed motifs, set in brocade and mounted with a rod. This makes them affordable and ready to hang straight away.
Which size fits my home?The large models measure 73 x 95 cm and need a free wall, such as above the sofa or the dresser. The smaller ones at 61 x 71 cm fit well in niches or next to a shelf.
Would you rather see the thangkas in person? You'll find us at Kramgasse 63 in Bern.