Buddhist Symbolism in Tibetan Thangkas (Paperback: 112 pages)

In this sumptuously illustrated book, Ben Meulenbeld takes us through 37 thangkas that present a pictorial journey of the life of Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama, and the evolution of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to attracting people who are curious about Buddhist imagery, this introductory book will help new collectors make informed purchases by providing an awareness of the quality of the symbolism appearing in contemporary thangkas. Collectors will be able to recognize whether a thangka is a coherent composition of accurately portrayed deities, or if it is a slap-dash amalgamation of unrelated symbols.

Meulenbeld points out the primary Buddhist symbols and explains the ritual and the religious concepts they represent. He provides a thoroughly enjoyable way to absorb some of the more complicated concepts of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn how to recognize the various buddhas and their guises and consorts! The fierce images of yidams, for example, which may frighten some people, are actually visually externalized components of the self in its struggle to conquer spiritual darkness. They become a comfort inthe Western context of "name your demons and they disappear".

In reaction to the Western over-intellectualization of many aspects of life -- particularly the spiritual -- people now seek a more personal understanding of the spiritual path. Because of this, the thangka is experiencing a rebirth as a teaching tool. Today's seeker can now relate to the universal nature of Tibetan Buddhist symbols in a bold new way!