Thangka themes form a visual encyclopedia of Buddhist teachings, from enlightened Buddhas and compassionate Bodhisattvas to fierce protectors and auspicious symbols. Each category carries the transmission of doctrine, practice methods, and spiritual aspirations, together constructing a complete cosmic diagram that combines religious sanctity with artistic vitality.
Sacred Themes
Buddha
Shakyamuni, Amitabha
Buddhas are the core of Buddhist faith, symbolizing enlightenment and truth. Shakyamuni is the founder of Buddhism, representing compassion and wisdom; Amitabha is the lord of the Western Pure Land, symbolizing infinite light and life, guiding sentient beings to rebirth in the Pure Land.
Guru
Padmasambhava, Tsongkhapa
Gurus are the founders and guides of Tibetan Buddhist transmission. Padmasambhava brought esoteric teachings to Tibet, possessing the power to subdue demons and obstacles; Tsongkhapa is the founder of the Gelug school, symbolizing the revival of discipline and the integration of exoteric and esoteric teachings.
Bodhisattva
Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri
Bodhisattvas liberate sentient beings with compassion and wisdom. Avalokiteshvara embodies great compassion, hearing the cries of the world and relieving suffering; Manjushri embodies wisdom, wielding a sword to cut through ignorance, serving as the refuge for practitioners seeking to open their wisdom.
Wealth Deities
Vaishravana, Yellow Jambhala, Five Paths Wealth Deities
Wealth protector deities serve dual functions: granting worldly wealth and protecting spiritual wealth. Vaishravana protects the resources for practice; Yellow Jambhala is the chief of all wealth deities, helping to eliminate poverty; the Five Paths Wealth Deities symbolize wealth gathering from all directions.
Protector Deities
Mahakala (Great Black One)
Protector deities display fierce and terrifying forms, protecting the Dharma and subduing obstacles. Mahakala is the wrathful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, possessing great power, eliminating obstacles for monasteries and practitioners.
Symbols
Ten Auspicious Symbols, Eight Auspicious Symbols
Symbols are graphic representations that condense the profound meaning of Buddhist teachings. The Ten Auspicious Symbols contain the Kalachakra heart mantra, symbolizing cosmic harmony and the blessings of all deities; the Eight Auspicious Symbols combine eight auspicious objects, representing perfect auspiciousness and the qualities of the Dharma.