Thangka, Thanka, Thamka, Thāṅkā, Thānkā: 3 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.
Nepali dictionary
Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary1) Thāṅkā (थाङ्का):—n. Thanka (a kind of Tibetan religious painting);
2) Thānkā (थान्का):—n. Pl. of थान्को [thānko]
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+14): Khomapatacivara, Bhandukasavanivattha, Laddhanibbacana, Civarasannanivaranattha, Anjananamaka, Adhitthanasamutthana, Tankakkunam, Tankamulam, Tankappuccu, Tankaparpam, Tankamalam, Tankamirutiyati, Tankakkaru, Dharmapala, Iramatanka, Tanka, Tankappattai, Tankaccampa, Tankaccinturam, Tankakkutam.
Relevant text
Search found 18 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:
Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
Beneficial to Behold: Buddhist Vision and Efficacy in the Qing Empire < [Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies 7.2 (2024)]
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]
Kailash: Journal of Himalayan Studies
Short Reviews (Tibetan medicine) < [Volume 3, Number 1 (1975)]
Notes on a Nepalese Thanka < [Volume 7, Number 1 (1979)]
Short Reviews < [Volume 2, Number 3 (1974)]
A Blessed Pilgrimage (by Dr. Yutang Lin)
Dictionaries of Indian languages (Kosha)
Page 372 < [Hindi-Malayalam-English Volume 3]
Journal of the European Ayurvedic Society (by Inge Wezler)
Reviews and Notices (Volume 1) < [Volume 1 (1990)]