Omschrijving
Evening Workshop + Weekend Course in Vienna

13 Nov 2025 | 18.30-21.30
Introduction to the Art of Thangka

Evening Workshop: Lecture + Drawing the Face of the Buddha
at the Panchen Losang Chogyen Center, Vienna, Austria
A beautiful evening with renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands, where after her lecture on the art of thangka you'll get to experience it hands-on by learning how to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

This evening offers a great introduction on Tibetan thangka painting (Buddhist scroll paintings): through the lecture you'll learn about the tradition of thangka art, how it came into existence, and the special place it holds within the Tibetan buddhist philosophy.

Drawing the Face of the Buddha the way it has been done for centuries is a meditative experience. If you're a buddhist practitioner, drawing a Buddha is also a great help for your visualization meditation. The symbolism found within the Buddha Face will also be explained.

This evening is suitable for everyone, including beginners with no drawing experience whatsoever; Carmen will guide you individually.

The use of materials is included!

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14-16 Nov 2025
Medicine Buddha
Thangka Weekend Course

Learn to Draw the Buddha of Healing at the Panchen Losang Chogyen Center, Vienna, Austria

During this weekend course you will learn how to draw the Medicine Buddha according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
The Medicine Buddha (Tib.: Sangye Menla) is the embodiment of all healing activities of the Buddhas, which are associated with healing both physical and mental suffering.

His deep blue color is that of lapis lazuli. Traditionally this precious stone was used to symbolize what was purely rare. In addition, this deep blue light has a healing effect when you work with it through visualization meditations (which we will also do this weekend).
In his left hand the Medicine Buddha holds a begging bowl filled with medicinal nectar and fruit. In his right hand he holds a special plant, known as the ‘King of Healing’, which is known for its effectiveness in treating both mental and physical diseases.

Through a combination of drawing, lectures and meditations this weekend, you will not only make a connection with the Medicine Buddha, it also gives you drawing so much more depth. In addition to experiencing the meditational way of thangka drawing, you will learn all about the backgrounds and symbolism of Medicine Buddha. You will also learn the Mantra of the Medicine Buddha, learn its meaning how to work with it.

Drawing an enlightened image like this Buddha is a meditation in itself and creates inner calmness and joy.
If you are a Buddhist practitioner, drawing this Buddha image significantly improves visualization in your meditations.

Fri 14 Nov: Evening Lecture
Start of the weekend course with a lecture on Medicine Buddha’s background and iconography, followed by Q&A.
Sat 15 + Sun 16 Nov: Learn to draw the Medicine Buddha

The use of materials is included!

NOTE: This course is for students on all levels, also those without drawing experience.