type
status
date
slug
summary
tags
category
icon
password
AI summary
Thangkas reveal the secret of the Vajrayana concept of "attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime."
Vajrayana, which embodies the three vehicles as one, believes that with the blessings of the guru, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas, and proper methods, one can "attain Buddhahood immediately"! This means achieving Buddhahood in this very life, without having to go through the three great eons (which last 7 billion years).
Of course, from an absolute perspective, Buddhism teaches that time and space are illusions. All sentient beings are already within the realm of the Great Perfection (Buddhahood), but due to ignorance, they continue to seek outside themselves for that state of perfection, causing them to be trapped in samsara for countless lifetimes.
By ceasing to seek externally and returning to the present moment, one can break through the illusion of time and space, and attain liberation. "Attaining Buddhahood immediately" also implies "becoming Buddha in this body." It means that through this very body, one can achieve Buddhahood.
Thus, it is essential to make full use of this body. While it is a burden that must be relinquished to attain Buddhahood, it is the only tool available right now.
In Vajrayana practice, great emphasis is placed on the "Threefold Blessing" from the guru and Buddhas/Bodhisattvas, namely the blessings of body, speech, and mind. Simply put, actions create karma through body, speech, and mind, and one must transform karma through these same faculties.
A key practice in Vajrayana is the "Deity Practice," which includes visualizing the deity (or the Buddha, Bodhisattva, or Protector) as part of one's meditation. This is where the "mind" aspect of the Threefold Blessing comes into play. Thangkas are essential in this practice.
This is why Thangka artists cannot simply be creative in their depictions of a Buddha or Bodhisattva; they must adhere to the ritualistic guidelines of the teachings. The posture, hand gestures, sacred objects, and even colors used in the artwork all convey the "hidden meaning" of the Dharma.
Through visualizing the image of a Buddha or Bodhisattva in a Thangka, one can quickly connect to the spiritual realm, similar to how you would experience the taste of syrup directly, without needing an explanation of its ingredients or effects on the body.
In addition to its profound use in practice, ordinary people can also use Thangkas for worship. In Tibetan regions, seeing a Thangka is akin to seeing a Buddha.
The content depicted in a Thangka is the mandala of the Buddha or Bodhisattva, representing the future state of perfection for every individual. Looking at "your future self" every day is one of the best things you can do in your limited lifetime.
上一篇
Buddhist Cosmology in Thangka Art
下一篇
The Guardian Deities Corresponding to the Twelve Zodiac Animals in Thangka
Loading...
