Life of the Buddha

Thangkas have been a traditional way to tell a story. And what story is most compelling to share, but the life story of the founder of the Buddhist tradition.

Shakyamuni Buddha was born to a king between the 6th and 4th century BCE. After a leisurely life in his fathers palace, he realized the inevitability of old age, sickness and death. Moved deeply to find liberation from this suffering for himself and all beings, he underwent strenuous training in meditation and ascetic practices. These years lead him to an insight into the right kind of balance that he describes as the middle Way. Practicing this middle Way determined under a pipal tree, he gained a profound insight that is referred to as 'enlightenment'.

The Buddha's life story further tells of his teaching years, in which he wandered through north east India and met each and every person with an appropriate response. These teachings have been captured in what is now an extensive selection of the Buddhist canon of sutras and tantras.

It is most profound to listen to these stories and consider their impact for us today. Especially those Buddhist practitioners who go on pilgrimage or have gone on pilgrimage to the Buddhist sites in North India, are deeply moved by their reality.