Samatha Buddhist Meditation | A Visual Journey Through the Nine Stages of Vipassana
Our hand-painted Samatha Buddhist Meditation thangka illustrates the Nine Stages of Vipassana, guiding practitioners from mental distraction to complete meditative absorption. Created with natural stone colors on cotton canvas and adorned with 24K gold detailing, it adheres to the traditional Karma Gadri style. The intricate artistry symbolizes the transformation of the mind into concentration and insight, serving as both an artistic masterpiece and a meditation tool for mental purification, inner stillness, and enlightenment.
At the base of the thangka, the wild black elephant represents the untamed mind, initially led by a mischievous monkey, symbolizing distraction, mental chatter, and lack of awareness. As the monk progresses, they control the elephant (mind) and monkey (distraction), symbolizing focus and self-awareness.
The Nine Stages of Samatha Meditation:
(Stage 1) The Power of Study: The monk at the bottom of the thangka represents the practitioner starting meditation, attempting to tame the mind and distractions.
(Stage 2) The Power of Concentration: It involves the monk catching the elephant with a rope, symbolizing the first signs of mindfulness. The monkey still leads the elephant, representing a mind dominated by distractions.
(Stages 3 & 4) The Power of Memory: The monk gradually gains control over the mind, with the elephant turning white, symbolizing a purifying mind with greater concentration. The monk remembers to return to mindfulness whenever the mind drifts.
(Stages 5 & 6) The Power of Comprehension: The monk leads the elephant, and the monkey follows behind, symbolizing the mind becoming stable. The flames along the path shrink as less effort is needed to maintain focus.
(Stages 7 & 8) The Power of Diligence: It involves the monk riding the elephant, symbolizing the complete removal of mental distractions.
(Stage 9) The final stage, Perfect Equanimity: Involves the monk soaring into the sky, symbolizing complete liberation, effortless concentration, and enlightenment.
Each stage in the thangka represents a crucial phase in Samatha meditation, leading to perfect mental stillness and insight. The Samatha Meditation thangka is a powerful teaching tool, illustrating mindfulness and concentration stages, used for personal meditation, spiritual practice, and study, guiding mind mastery and enlightenment.
DRAWN AS MENTIONED IN THE MEDITATION MANUAL
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Size: 16"/41 cm (width) x 24"/61 cm (height)
Materials: Cotton Canvas, 24K Gold, Natural Stone Colors
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HAND-PAINTED WITH NATURAL STONE COLOR AND GENUINE 24K GOLD IN TRADITIONAL KARMA GADRI STYLE
OUR TEAM
We are a team of traditionally trained Karma Gadri artists from Boudha Stupa. Our lineage comes from Venerable Master Jamyang Phunshok, who is from Kham, Eastern Tibet.
We are focused on bringing accurate iconographic thangka, which will be helpful to your practice.
BROCADE MOUNT
We offer traditional brocade mounts upon your request. We will send available samples and pricing details for your final confirmation.
CONSECRATION OF THANGKA
As per your request for consecrations/blessings, we can take thangka to nearby monasteries/Rinpoches from Boudha Stupa. We kindly ask that you contribute $50 to the monasteries for these blessing/consecration services.
