Sep 18-Nov 15 / Online / The Buddha (Shakyamuni, our Historical Buddha)

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This online course is offered in clear English and can be auto translated in other languages


ONLINE / Sep 18-Nov 15, 2026

The Buddha 

Learn to draw the Historical Buddha (Shakyamuni)

Creating a Thangka Drawing in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition

During this in-depth course, you will learn how to draw The Buddha according to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Thangka, in a step by step process.
Buddha Shakyamuni is the historical Buddha of our time, generally referred to as ‘The Buddha.’ Besides the clear drawing instructions you will be taken to ancient India 2500yrs ago, learn about his life (and the previous ones!), his path, his meditation, mantra (and the meaning of it), as well as about the impact his teachings had and that caused a stir in India at the time.

Before the course starts a package with the traditional grid proportions for drawing this Buddha will be shipped to you and during the course Carmen is fully available to guide and support you on your drawing, bringing each student from where they are to a higher level.

You can start this course anytime within the above time frame and come back to it as much as you like in between these dates. The course is laid out in a way that even if you just do 1 module a week you will finish your Buddha in time. The last week and module is for catching up if needed.

The average thangka student will take up to 2-3 days to complete this course and draw The Buddha in black & white. If preferred, your drawing can be further worked out using shading or colour (check out the bundle with the Colouring Techniques Course included!), that can take up to 4-7 days.


A special retreat in Portugal where students experience an inner transformation through a beautiful mix of creating art, meditation, talks on Buddhist philosophy, and qigong.

This course is for you when:
– You want to learn how to draw The Buddha as well as knowing all about his background and symbolism
– You want to experience the meditative aspect of thangka drawing

After this course:
– You have drawn your own beautiful Buddha, and learned about his deep symbolism
– You have experienced inner peace and joy through the drawing process, and working with the meditation & mantra
– You have created a connection with Buddha Shakyamuni as well as with an ancient tradition, and have gained an experience that lasts way longer than the duration of this course


Prerequisite: Buddha Face course

The School for Tibetan Buddhist Art stays true to the Tibetan Thangka Tradition. Therefore, in order to join this course, you need to have taken the base course ‘Buddha Face’ with Carmen Mensink (online or onsite). If you haven’t yet, please purchase the bundle that includes both courses. Optionally, the Colouring Techniques course can be included in a three-course bundle:

Buddha Face + The Buddha

Buddha Face + The Buddha + Colouring Techniques

Have you already taken the Buddha Face Course with Carmen?
Then choose between The Buddha course, or a bundle that includes the Colouring Techniques Course:

The Buddha

The Buddha + Colouring Techniques


 

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