Thangka Art - The medicinal plants of the Medicine Buddha

A delightful workshop with renowned Thangka painter Carmen Mensink

“The Tibetan Thangka is a Mirror of the mind. “ - Happinez Magazine

What is a Thangka?

Thangkas are Buddhist scroll paintings of such things as Buddhas and Mandalas, painted according to an ancient Tibetan tradition.

Why are Tibetan Thangkas drawn & painted?

A thangka is more than just art; it opens a window to spirituality by combining craftsmanship with deep symbolism, clarifying the path to enlightenment. Every detail on a thangka tells a story, inviting people to reflect and grow.

Carmen about the process of painting a thangka (in Happinez Magazine): De Tibetaanse Thangka – Spiegel van de geest

The Medicine Buddha's Medicinal Plants Workshop

According to tradition, the Buddha -in his appearance as the Medicine Buddha-laid the foundation for Tibetan Medicine, which appeared about a thousand years ago in the form of the Gyu Shi (the Four Medical Tantras'), this is what you will learn all about during the introduction and lecture.

Then you will get to work yourself and learn to draw the medicinal plants that the Medicine Buddha holds in his hands; the Bilva Fruit and the Myrobalan. You will also learn the mantra of the Medicine Buddha and how to work with it. At the end of the day you will return home with a beautiful drawing and a lot of new knowledge.

Carmen inspires and guides everyone on their own level -you don't have to have any drawing experience- and will also explain the iconography and symbolism behind your drawing.

🡪 This course is offered in Dutch but if you need translations in English we are happy to provide this for you. Please let us know upon registration.

Who is this introductory day for?

• For anyone interested in art of drawing Thangkas 

• For those who want to deepen their (Buddhist) practice. It helps you, among other things, to visualize better in your meditation

• For those who want to start a fascinating journey in Tibetan art 

• And for anyone who is just curious and interested in art in general and/or Buddhism in particular!

This day is suitable for people with and without drawing experience. We have seen that most people who begin thangka drawing have no drawing experience at all. 😁

What do others say about the workshop?

"Drawing a thangka is a meditation for me."

"Your great wealth of knowledge and skill is evident in the fact of what you offer and show us all. It's not just any class you teach, but everything you say, you stand behind it. I thank you for your commitment, your encouragement and your enthusiasm."

Who is Carmen Mensink?

Carmen lives and works in Amsterdam and paints and teaches Tibetan Buddhist art & philosophy. She has been teaching and lecturing at museums, universities and centers around the world for over twenty years. She also restores thangkas and gilds and paints Buddha statues. In addition, she can be found in dozens of publications.

The enthusiasm and dedication Carmen expresses in her teachings have already guided and inspired thousands of people on the path of Buddhist art.

Carmen is also in demand for related forms of Tibetan art, including the meter-long floor paintings of the "Eight Lucky Symbols" she created to welcome the Dalai Lama to the Netherlands. For more information: www.tibetanbuddhistart.com

Practical information

• Day: Sunday Feb 16 
• Time: 10.00 - 17.00 hrs. With an hour lunch break (bring your own sandwich or find one of the many nice places nearby)
• Language: Dutch & English
• Location: Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam, Tilanusstraat 8a
• Materials: All necessary materials will be provided
• Advice: Bring some thick socks and possibly a notebook
• Minimum number of participants: 8
• Last minute registration (latest 1 week beforehand): Please also email amsterdam@maitreya.nl to make sure we can send you the necessary information to join us.

Donations

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. Your donation will keep our dharma center, which is run entirely by volunteers, going. The recommended donation for this workshop is 70 euros, including drawing materials. For people with a narrow budget, we suggest 50 euros. Should you wish to make use of this option, please do not hesitate to email us at amsterdam@maitreya.nl.

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