June 11 + 13 + 14, 2026

Green Tara

The Buddha of Active Compassion

Thangka Drawing Course in NYC, incl. the use of materials

Green Tara is the most famous female Buddha, and in this thangka course,you’ll learn to draw her (and perhaps paint her later) according to the Tibetan Buddhist thangka tradition.
Tara is one of the most revered Buddhas and is the embodiment of active compassion. She extends her hand -like a mother to her child- to fulfill all wishes. She stands with her right foot extended, ready to help where needed.
By drawing/painting her, practicing her meditation, and reciting her mantra, you can make a connection with Tara’s energy. There are many stories of people being rescued from difficult circumstances while reciting Tara’s mantra or invoking her name.

Green Tara is also considered one of the first emancipated women.
When other -male- practitioners instructed her to pray only for a subsequent incarnation in a male body, arguing that this was the only way to attain Enlightenment, Tara made the following unwavering vow:
“Until Samsara is empty, I shall work for the benefit of all sentient beings, but always in a female body!”

Taught by renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands
Including an online lecture about Tara and iconography on June 11th at 7PM (but possible to watch after), short meditations, and explanation of Tara’s mantra
A lot of individual guidance

Carmen about Green Tara:
How wonderful to be sharing my favorite subject again after so many years!
I always say, ‘Green Tara is my role model.’ Someday, I want to be like her: this strong feminine energy, powerful and loving at the same time, fearless in life, and taking compassionate action when necessary. She is also absolutely free from any fear whatsoever, that’s such an important characteristic of hers.
I love Green Tara so much that I named my cat Tara after her.

PREREQUISITE

This retreat is for students on all levels, but the prerequisite for this topic is that you have at least completed Carmen’s basic workshop, The Face of the Buddha (on-site or online). If you haven’t taken this yet, you can do so in-person or online:
1) In-Person: June 12th at Tibet House NYC Buddha Face Workshop & Introduction to the Art of Thangka
2) Online: Online Workshop Buddha Face (schedule at least three hours for this workshop)

Other Info & Registration

SCHEDULE / COST / MATERIALS

Dates & Time:

Thu June 11th
7-9PM: Online lecture (live by Carmen) on Green Tara and her Iconography
NOTE: if you can’t join this evening you can still watch it back till a week after.

Sat June 13
11AM-6PM: Green Tara Thangka Drawing Course (with 1hr lunch break)

Sun Jun 14
11AM-5PM: Green Tara Thangka Drawing Course (with 1hr lunch break)

Workshop Fee:

Tiered pricing $220 / $250 / $300 (see registration link) including the use of materials*

*We have drawing paper, pencils, erasers and rulers for you to use. If you prefer to bring your own materials in addition, as well as colored pencils for example, please do so. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen to make notes during this class.

LOCATION

TIBET HOUSE US
22 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
NYC

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION BUTTON WILL BE ADDED HERE SOON

All Thangka Art Classes in NY this year: