Composition Principles of Thangka: Religious Principles
In terms of composition such as content and layout, Thangkas follow certain principles. As long as we understand the composition principles of Thangkas, we will no longer be dazzled by their intricate pictures.
Fundamental Principle: Possessing the Three Roots
Some large-scale Thangkas have numerous figures and grand scenes, with many Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Dharma Protectors, etc. appearing together. It is not only difficult to distinguish their identities, but also confusing due to their diverse combinations. To understand such Thangkas, one must grasp the most fundamental religious principle in Thangka composition—possessing the Three Roots.
Explanation of the Three Roots
The Three Roots refer to the Guru (Lama), the Yidam (Deity), and the Dakini or Dharma Protector. Among them, the Guru is the "Root of Blessing", the Yidam is the "Root of Achievement", and the Dakini or Dharma Protector is the "Root of Activity". The Three Roots are most fully embodied in Thangkas with human figures as the theme.
First, the Yidam is located in the central part of the Thangka, because practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism need to choose the corresponding Buddha, Bodhisattva, Buddha-Mother, or Dharma Protector as the main object of practice according to different doctrines—that is the Yidam. The Yidam is the main image of a Thangka, occupying the most prominent position.
The upper part of the Yidam is the Holy Realm, and the central position of the Holy Realm must be a Buddha, of whom the Yidam is a subordinate. This Buddha is called the "Guru of Eminence". Tibetan Buddhism attaches great importance to the guidance of the Guru, and esoteric practice must also be blessed by the Guru. Therefore, different sects in Tibetan Buddhism worship different Gurus respectively. Through the image of the Guru in the Thangka, one can judge which sect this Thangka belongs to.
Below or on both sides of the Yidam are generally "Dharma Protectors", that is, they are in the "Human Realm". They can subdue demons and protect believers, so they often have fierce expressions, but they can also be dignified and beautiful.
Religious Meanings in Treasures and Decorations
Another important way to identify the numerous gods and Buddhas in Thangkas is to distinguish them according to the number of their heads and arms, and the treasures they hold in their hands. In addition, besides the main figures, Thangkas often have other decorative patterns such as lotus thrones, aureoles, auspicious clouds, and flower vines. These decorations also contain certain religious meanings. For example, when depicting the Pure Land of Buddha, magnificent palaces, railings around treasure pools, and pure lotus flowers and divine birds are indispensable.
Description of the Deity in the Right Picture
The deity shown in the right picture has one face and four arms, three eyes wide open and red, hair rising like karmic fire, eyebrows and whiskers blazing like flames, wearing a five-skull crown, adorned with a vajra and a snake, wearing a necklace made of human heads and blood, and a tiger-skin skirt. He is majestic and brave, standing on a lotus sun-wheel seat of corpses, with flames blazing around like karmic fire. Through these features, he can be identified as "Four-Armed Mahakala". He is a retinue of Chakrasamvara (Vajra of Bliss), protecting all activities of the Chakrasamvara Yidam, and his full name is Auspicious Protector Four-Armed Great Black Heaven.
