A thangka is a Tibetan painting that is traditionally used as a support for one’s meditation practice. The imagery depicted in Tibetan paintings provides a guide for the elaborate visualizations that one does in Tibetan Buddhist practice. In Tibetan homes and monasteries, thangkas are considered sacred objects and are often placed above shrines.

There are many types and varieties of Mandalas depending on the nature of the central deity. This Thangka depicts Buddha Mandala. The Mandala represents “palace of purity” a magic sphere cleared of spiritual obstacles.