Thangka – OM Mandala with Astamangal on Black

This small 10.5 inches square mandala is perfect to frame it to bring right energy in your home. The center of the mandala has first syllable “Om” of the full six syllable mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. The Om is surrounded by four of the eight auspicious symbols of Astamangal (Conch, Endless Knot, Vase & Lotus: from center top going counter clock wise)

Om: The first, Om is composed of three letters. A, U, and M. These symbolize the practitioner’s impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha.

Astamangal is a group of eight (asta) auspicious (mangal) symbols known in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Each symbol has meaning and different value from spiritual viewpoint. Conch represents the pervasive sound of dharma (truth) and said to awaken disciples from the sleep of ignorance to seek for truth and welfare. Endless Knot represents the ultimate unity symbolizing enlightenment through union of compassion and wisdom. Lotus symbolizes divine beauty and purity of body, speech, and mind regardless of muddy water.  Vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, and wisdom as true treasures of life.

Mandala: Mandala is a sacred diagram in esoteric Buddhism. A mandala is a sacred diagram and a device (Yantra) to practice Tantric meditation. It has a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

What is Thangka?
A thangka sometime spelled thanka or tangka is important meditative paintings in Buddhism. The painting usually depicts Buddhist deities, scene or mandala. These paintings serve as important teaching tools depicting the life of the Buddha, various influential lamas (teachers or monks), and other deities.
Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display. mounted on a textile backing. They are delicate paintings and must be kept in dry places away from high level of moisture.