After the meditation retreat, I decided to change my plans and extend my stay for three more days in Dharamshala so I could attend Dalai Lama’s public teaching before heading to Mumbai to see my folks.
I had two days to relax before the teachings but I came across a book on Thangka Paintings at one of the local coffee shops. I was intrigued by this age old sacred Tibetan art which depicts colorful and detailed symbols and images painted on a sized cloth which can be easily rolled up for transportation, with the goal of transmitting enlightened knowledge.
Tibetans painting such as Thangka teaches us that everything from our feeling tones and thoughts to the way we view our surroundings is created and interpreted by our minds.
As I was walking around town, I came across a shop that was selling Thangka paintings. I asked the owner, Sonam Lama, if they could teach me different Thangka painting techniques and he agreed to teach me as much as they can in two days.
Day 1, 10 hours –
After breakfast, I went to “Potala Thangka Painting Shop,” and met with Karma Lama (brother of Sonam Lama) who has been painting for over 26 years. He learned the art from his father and then spent six years learning in the temple of Dalai Lama.
I came up with the mandala design to incorporate elements of sky, nature, earth and water with the Buddha being at the center. Karma looked at my design and said, this is an ambitious project for two days but it’s doable. He suggested we include certain motifs and colors so that it would be a “Happiness Thangka,” which is exactly what I was hoping for.
With his guidance I was able to draw the detailed patterns on canvas. I noticed that everything was based on propositions and geometry, even the Buddha. I was so engrossed in creating this happiness thangka, that I lost track of time and spent nearly 10 hours non-stop. My body was out of whack but I didn’t care because I was too excited to be learning this ancient art.
Day 2, 9 hours –
I left the hotel around 8:30am to pick up my entry pass from Dalai Lama’s Security office. After an hour of waiting in line, I finally got my pass. I had breakfast at Yak Cafe and then headed to Potala to continue with the painting process.
Karma taught me how to paint shaded clouds and flowers. Painting the Buddha was not an easy task as we had to pay attention to every little detail from the robe to his body, and the most difficult being the face. He also taught me other designs using gold color to add sparkle to the Thangka. After spending non-stop 9 hours today, I was happy at the end result. I still have to add finishing touches but will have to wait until I get back home in California.
I was exhausted and stopped at a Japanese restaurant for dinner before heading back to the hotel. I ran into Dave from Israel who was in the meditation retreat as well and since we had not communicated at all, this was the perfect time to know more about each other. I believe that there are no coincidences, I was suppose to meet him to put few things in perspective in my life.
