The difference between Mandala and Thangka
The mandala and thangka are sacred ancient artworks in Buddhism, Hinduism, and other
religions. Their intricate drawings commonly depict symbols, deities, and mantras that aid in
meditation.
What is a mandala?
The mandala (“circle” in Sanskrit) is a circular diagram representing an idealised universe of the
deity, palace, and surroundings. The details of the circle vary depending on the artist who
created the mandala. Jain mandalas in Jainism usually show the founder, Mahavira, in the
centre; the Charvakan mandala focuses on the earth, air, fire, and water elements; the Buddhist
mandalas commonly depict the wheel of life, which constitutes the cycle of birth, death, and
rebirth, or the past, present, and future. The mandala first appeared in a Hindu text called the
Rig Veda, an ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns.
What is a thangka?
Thangka artworks typically depict images of deities. They are commonly used as meditation and
teaching tools among Vajrayana Buddhists. Occasionally, the monk will carry the Thangka scroll
during sacred rites. Many Buddhist monks are skilled artists and would paint illustrations of
Buddha’s past lives, tales of Buddhist cosmology, and many others, either on paper or on
interior temple walls. Some of their works come in the form of Thangka paintings. In Hinduism,
thangka paintings depict Hindu gods such as Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
Mandala and thangka designs
The mandala’s circular design is its most distinct feature, while thangka designs are
recognisable by their illustrations of deities. There are thangka paintings that depict both the
mandala and deities. The details and symbols that make up the design depend on the artist,
who is usually a monk or a lama. The artists usually draw using raw ingredients like coloured
sand for the mandala and gold pigment for the thangka.
Some mandalas incorporate the colours of the chakra wheel of energy. Red represents the root
chakra, orange symbolises the sacral chakra, yellow for the solar plexus, green for the heart,
blue for the throat, purple for the third eye, and violet for the crown.
Mandala and thangka spiritual benefits
Having a mandala helps to retain focus during meditation. Regardless of the meaning of the
symbols drawn on the mandala, its purpose is to centre the individual on a particular narrative,
encourage introspection, awareness of the self and purpose in this world, and promote peace of
mind. Spiritual masters can also energize the mandala. When appropriately programmed by a
master healer, the mandala can heal specific problems. For example, a mandala with red
colours can heal the root chakra, helping you feel grounded and withstand life’s challenges.
Thangka artworks tend to depict various deities that are associated with different religious sects.
For example, a blue image of the Buddha Samantabhadra associates that painting with the
Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Thangkas are said to be commissioned for many
purposes, such as meditation aids, a way to accumulate merit, for a long life, or as a token of
appreciation. They can bless families and their homes by being hung on the walls or placed on
altars. Additionally, monks can sanctify the thangka at temples for enhanced spiritual benefits.
Finding a mandala and thangka
When finding a mandala and a thangka, be cautious of counterfeits. A mandala is hand drawn
or hand painted using natural ingredients such as coloured sand, flowers, and plants. The best
ones are those done by monks or lamas, who will sign off the artwork with lines from the
Buddhist scriptures. Mandalas are never photographed or printed. Photographs or prints of
mandalas that you find online are purely decorations. This goes the same for the thangka.
Those who commission Thangka artworks also supply the materials to make them. Their
financial capability determines the quality of the pigments, the amount of gold embellishment,
and the luxuriousness of the brocade that the painting was mounted. Thangkas can be woven,
embroidered, or appliqued.