Thangka, Thanka, Thamka, Thāṅkā, Thānkā: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Thangka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Images (photo gallery)
In Buddhism
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Shambala Publications: GeneralThangka (thanka) roughly, “picture, painting.” In Tibetan Buddhism, a scroll painting framed in silk, which fulfills various religious functions. The themes of iconography are fixed by tradition and are based on three principles: expression, proportion, and detail. Commissioning the painting of a thangka and the painting itself are considered highly meritorious actions.
The images are painted on linen with vegetable- and mineral-based pigments. In some cases they serve as visual reminders of general Buddhist teachings—examples are the wheel of life or the depictions of the previous existences of the Buddha. In other cases thangkas play an important ritual role—as, for example, detailed paintings of central personalities of a particular school being used for taking refuge. However, the most important role of the thangka is connected with the performance of sādhanas, where the picture functions as support for memory in the process of visualization. Painted mandalas fulfill the same purpose.
Languages of India and abroad
Kannada-English dictionary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpusṬhaṃka (ಠಂಕ):—[noun] the act or process of minting monetary coins.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Dharmapala, Kilarcci.
Relevant text
Search found 8 books and stories containing Thangka, Thanka, Thamka, Ṭhaṃka, Ṭhaṅka, Thāṅkā, Thānkā; (plurals include: Thangkas, Thankas, Thamkas, Ṭhaṃkas, Ṭhaṅkas, Thāṅkās, Thānkās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Way of the White Clouds (by Anāgarika Lāma Govinda)
Chapter 32 - New Beginnings: 'Ajo Rimpoché' < [Part 3 - Death and Rebirth]
Chapter 39 - The Life Story of an Oracle-Priest < [Part 3 - Death and Rebirth]
Chapter 34 - The Two Siddhas of Tsé-Chöling < [Part 3 - Death and Rebirth]
A Blessed Pilgrimage (by Dr. Yutang Lin)
Philosophy of language in the Five Nikayas (by K.T.S. Sarao)
2.5(a). The Sutta Piṭaka (Introduction) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Tibet (Myth, Religion and History) (by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya)
2. Royal Patronage and the Teachings < [Chapter 7 - Buddhism in Tibet]
A Golden Ring (by Dr. Yutang Lin)
The Dawn of the Dhamma (by Sucitto Bhikkhu)